Rule RAP 12.3 - Forms of Decision(a) Decision Terminating Review. A "decision terminating review" is an opinion, order, or judgment of the appellate court or a ruling of a commissioner or clerk of an appellate court if it:(1) Is filed after review is accepted by the appellate court filing the decision; and(2) Terminates review unconditionally; and(3) Is (i) a decision on the merits, or (ii) a decision by the judges dismissing review, or (iii) a ruling by a commissioner or clerk dismissing review, or (iv) an order refusing to modify a ruling by the commissioner or clerk dismissing review.(b) Interlocutory Decision. An "interlocutory decision" is any opinion, order, or judgment of the appellate court or ruling of a commissioner or clerk which is not a decision terminating review.(c) Ruling. A "ruling" is any determination of a commissioner or clerk of an appellate court. The ruling may be a decision terminating review or an interlocutory decision.(d) Publication of Opinions--Court of Appeals. A majority of the panel issuing an opinion will determine if it will be printed in the Washington Appellate Reports pursuant to RCW 2.06.040 or be filed for public record only. In determining whether the opinion will be published in the Washington Appellate Reports, the panel will use at least the following criteria: (1) Whether the decision determines an unsettled or new question of law or constitutional principle;(2) whether the decision modifies, clarifies or reverses an established principle of law;(3) whether a decision is of general public interest or importance; or(4) whether a case is in conflict with a prior opinion of the Court of Appeals.(e) Motion To Publish. A motion requesting the Court of Appeals to publish an opinion that had been ordered filed for public record should be served and filed within 20 days after the opinion has been filed. The motion must be supported by addressing the following criteria: (1) if not a party, the applicant's interest and the person or group applicant represents;(2) applicant's reasons for believing that publication is necessary;(3) whether the decision determines an unsettled or new question of law or constitutional principle;(4) whether the decision modifies, clarifies or reverses an established principle of law;(5) whether the decision is of general public interest or importance; or(6) whether the decision is in conflict with a prior opinion of the Court of Appeals. A party should not file an answer to a motion to publish or a reply to an answer unless requested by the appellate court. The court will not grant a motion to publish without requesting an answer. References
Rule 17.6, Motion Decided by Ruling or Order.
Wash. R. App. P. RAP 12.3
Adopted effective 7/1/1976; Amended effective 9/18/1992; 9/1/1998; 12/24/2002; 9/1/2006.