§53.2.3 Historical Development

• Jurisdiction: Washington

§53.2.3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

Court commissioners are authorizedby the Washington Constitution, article IV, §23. The statutory framework found in Chapter 2.24 RCW, and referenced in CR 53.2, has remained substantially the same since its enactment in 1909, although the specific powers enumerated in RCW 2.24.040 have been expanded over time. In 1949, the legislature first authorized superior courts to appoint statutory commissioners to hear family law matters; these judicial officers do not constitute...