Public welcome as Court of Appeals, Div. III hears cases at Gonzaga University School of Law Oct. 14

Public welcome as Court of Appeals, Div. III hears cases at Gonzaga University School of Law Oct. 14

The public is welcome when Washington State Court of Appeals (COA), Division III hears oral arguments outside of its regular Spokane courtroom during a community visit to Gonzaga University Law School on October 14, 2025.

The hearings will begin at 9 a.m. in the Barbieri Courtroom at 721 N. Cincinnati St. Spokane, WA. The public is welcome to attend the oral arguments and ask questions about the role and operations of the Court of Appeals during the Q&A break and at the end of the session.

COA Division III is headquartered in Spokane and hears appeals of trial court case outcomes throughout the Eastern Washington counties of Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima.

"The Court of Appeals is honored to hold oral arguments at Gonzaga School of Law, providing students with a unique opportunity to observe the appellate process in action. Engaging with future members of the legal profession in an academic setting not only enhances transparency but also fosters a deeper understanding of the rule of law and judicial decision-making," said Division III Acting Chief Judge Tracy Staab. "These sessions offer an invaluable educational experience-allowing students to witness real cases, observe legal advocacy, and better appreciate the deliberative nature of appellate review. We are grateful to Gonzaga for hosting us and for their commitment to legal education and civic engagement."

Beginning at 9 a.m., Acting Chief Judge Staab, Judge George Fearing, and Judge John Cooney will hear arguments in the following case:

• 401961 - State of Washington v. Austin Cecil Erickson - Issue Statement: Whether there was sufficient evidence to convict Mr. Erickson of attempting to elude and whether prejudicial testimony was admitted at trial.
• 404293 - Cascade Concrete Industries, Inc. v. Central Washington Asphalt - Issue Statement: Whether the trial court should have imposed prejudgment interest or post-judgment interest after a jury awarded damages for breach of contract.
• 402410 - State of Washington v. Dawson Richard Jarrett - Issue Statement: Whether the trial court violated Jarrett's public trial right and abused its discretion in admitting certain evidence.

Each argument will last approximately 30 minutes. To allow for questions and answers, there will be a 45-minute break before hearing the last case.

Live TVW coverage of the oral arguments can be viewed at: Division 3 Court of Appeals - TVW. Online access to public documents filed in the cases can be found in the Appellate Court Public Document Portal by inputting the case number.

Since resuming community-based oral arguments in October 2022, COA Division III, has held sessions at eight high schools across Eastern Washington. These visits aim to promote civic education and connect students with the judicial process.

In recognition of this outreach, the Court received the Judge William Nevins Award in September 2023 for its commitment to community engagement and legal education.

For further information regarding the Court, visit the Washington Courts website at Washington State Courts - Appellate and Trial Courts.

Contact: Court of Appeals, Div. III Clerk Tristen Worthen, (509) 456-3082, [email protected].