Is a Trial Before a Non-Attorney Judge Constitutional? Young v. Konz, 88 Wash. 2d 276, 558 P.2d 791 (1977)

Authors

Elaine G. Rollins, University of Nebraska College of Law

Abstract

The Washington Supreme Court in Young v. Konz held that a case heard by a non-attorney judge did not violate due process even though there was no provision for a trial de novo after the defendant had entered a plea of guilty in the justice court. The court did not take the opportunity to analyze the situation in terms of state constitutional grounds. The court indicated that it did think it would be preferable to have all cases heard before attorney judges.

I. Introduction

II. The Court’s Opinion … A. The Majority … B. The Dissent

III. The Court’s Analysis … A. Precedents

IV. Due Process Considerations … A. Fundamental Fairness … B. Due Process and the State Constitution

V. Conclusion

Recommended Citation

Elaine G. Rollins, Is a Trial Before a Non-Attorney Judge Constitutional? Young v. Konz, 88 Wash. 2d 276, 558 P.2d 791 (1977), 57 Neb. L. Rev. 233 (1978)
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nlr/vol57/iss1/12