Richard Sanders

Washington Supreme Court

Position Six

Legal/Judicial Experience: First elected to Supreme Court in 1995; and reelected in 1998 and 2004. During my time on the Court, I have written more opinions than any other Justice. Before that, I practiced law for 26 years. I have also served as an adjunct professor teaching appellate advocacy at the UW School of Law, and guest lectured on state constitutional law at Seattle University.

Other Professional Experience: I am an Eagle Scout and once played the French horn in the Rose Bowl.

Education: B.S. and J.D., University of Washington.

Community Service: I frequently lecture and have written many legal articles and opinion pieces explaining our constitutional rights.

Statement: A Supreme Court Justice must uphold the highest ethical standards, working to assure that government is open and the rights of citizens are protected. It has been my honor to serve on our state's highest court since 1995 and to follow these standards.

Article 1, Section 1 of our Constitution states: "governments...are established to protect and maintain individual rights." I believe that's the job description of a Justice also: we must look out for the individual citizen and protect our Constitutional rights. Sometimes this makes me seem conservative, as when I support property rights, and sometimes it makes me seem liberal, as when I call on the federal government to end the unconstitutional treatment of prisoners. But I am consistent: we have rights the government must not violate. Thomas Jefferson said the God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time. It's a good thought to remember.

Justice Sanders attracts support that cuts across the spectrum, with endorsements including: Democratic and Republican Senators; the State Republican and Libertarian Parties; judges and civil libertarians; the Association of Washington Business and union members -- more than 1,000 endorsers.

Vote to reelect Justice Richard Sanders.

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