PORT TOWNSEND — Supreme Court Justice Charles Wiggins is the latest jurist to substitute for Jefferson County Superior Court Judge Craddock Verser, who began cancer treatment in July.
A series of judges throughout the state have pitched in.
This week was Wiggins’ first Jefferson County appearance since becoming a Supreme Court justice this year, though he served in a pro-tem capacity prior to his term.
Wiggins was presiding over a two-day civil trial this week and heard a motion for summary judgment Wednesday, which he expects to decide upon over the next few weeks.
“I’ve been up here a few times, and the clerk’s office is great to work with,” Wiggins said.
“I’ve gotten to know a few of the lawyers and have a lot of respect for them, and you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful courthouse.”
Verser, who is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, goes in for a scan this week, said his wife, Joyce Verser, who expects results to be available Monday.
She said he hopes to be back on the bench by Feb. 1.
“He’s grateful for all the judges who have filled in in his absence and appreciates all the hard work from the clerk’s office and the court commissioners,” she said in an email.
Wiggins, who is finishing his first year on the Supreme Court bench, said lawyers do not treat him any differently now that he is on the state’s highest court.
“I have always been treated with respect as a pro-tem judge, but whether it is a little more high now, I don’t really know,” he said.
“Being on the Supreme Court helps me narrow the focus on the issues I need to concentrate on, and I tend to be more proactive in questioning the lawyers because that’s how the Supreme Court works.”
Wiggins said the court’s public face differs from its private sessions.
“We are a very collegial group,” he said.
“It appears that we are fighting like cats and dogs over certain issues, but in conference, the judges are always professional and courteous to each other.”
Court Administrator Michelle Moore said Kitsap County Superior Court Anna Laurie will become the “go-to” judge and will keep a regular Jefferson County schedule between January and May.
Court Commissioners Peggy Ann Bierbaum and Keith Harper will also assume a regular schedule, Moore said.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
