The Washington Supreme Court published for comment proposed rule changes that would allow trial judges to unilaterally deny the right to a jury trial in favor of an Internet, zoom trial.  Such a rule would directly abridge the State Constitutional right to a jury trial in civil matters and worse would marginalize and disenfranchise diverse communities given the inequitable distribution of technology.  While the proponents of the rule argue its adoption would increase diversity and inclusion, we urge that the exact opposite would be true and is supported by numerous studies.

Dan Bridges conducted detailed research and analysis in preparation of our firm's white paper that is available here.  That white paper was provided to the state Supreme Court as a comment on proposed rule changes speaking against.