Temple of Justice, Olympia, Washington

Direct Review By The Supreme Court

A few cases can be appealed directly to the Supreme Court without going through the Court of Appeals.

These cases usually involve issues of considerable public importance, such as the constitutionality of a law or an initiative. Death penalty cases also go directly to the Supreme Court.

For the most part, the Supreme Court prefers for the Court of Appeals to hear the appeal first.

On direct review, the Supreme Court follows the same basic procedure as the Court of Appeals.