Interesting times in Washington state

Next week, the Washington State Supreme Court is expecting a report on how well the Washington State Legislature has responded to its ruling in the McCleary case to fully fund education.

The court has threatened the legislature with legal action, if the court deems that insufficient progress has been made towards accomplishing the court’s ruling.

This could bring to the forefront the constant battle between the legislative and judicial branches of government.   We always hear about the conflicts between the executive and legislative branches, but seldom what goes on between the legislative and judicial.

Which brings me to a precedence regarding a conflict between the court and the executive.

In May 1830, President Andrew Jackson ordered the removal of all American indians living in the eastern part of the United States.  It’s better known as the Trail of Tears.

The United States Supreme Court ruled the removal illegal and order the president to stop.   President Jackson responded by saying something like – – how many armies does the Supreme Court have – – and went on to finish the removal.

What happens if the Washington State Legislature fails to meet the court’s ruling?   Will it provide more legal motions?  Will it call the State Patrol to arrest legislators?  Or, will some compromise be put in place?

For legal scholars and historians, this is an interesting time in Washington State.