King county courts

According to Seattle Times reporter Esmy Jimenez nearly 900 people in Washington state are awaiting either a competency evaluation or restoration treatment, which is needed before they can go to trial. Restoration treatment can often involve medication, classes or therapy. KNKX's Emil Moffatt spoke with her to learn more.

Last year, Seattle elected a Republican for city attorney who promised to crack down on small crimes. The question this election cycle was whether King County voters would elect more candidates pushing for a punitive approach. The answer seems to be "no."

King County Judge Susan Mahoney resigned from her position as chief presiding judge at King County District Court in late February and is under investigation for allegedly using a racial slur, a development that has rippled through legal circles for weeks and raised questions about electoral plans. Judge Matthew York has replaced Mahoney as chief presiding judge.

Sit in a courtroom where people are being arraigned on charges of driving under the influence, and you get an idea of the obstacles Washington lawmakers…