Rule RAP 2.1 - Methods for Seeking Review of Trial Court Decision-Generally(a) Two Methods for Seeking Review of Superior Court Decisions. The only methods for seeking review of decisions of the superior court by the Court of Appeals and by the Supreme Court are the two methods provided by these rules. The two methods are:(1) Review as a matter of right, called "appeal"; and(2) Review by permission of the reviewing court, called "discretionary review." Both "appeal" and "discretionary review" are called "review." The term "decision" refers to rulings, orders, and judgments of the trial court, or the appellate court, as the context indicates.(b) Writ Procedure Superseded. The procedure for seeking review of trial court decisions established by these rules supersedes the review procedure formerly available by extraordinary writs of review, certiorari, mandamus, prohibition, and other writs formerly considered necessary and proper to the complete exercise of appellate and revisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. Original writs in the appellate court are not superseded and are governed by Title 16.(c) Method for Seeking Direct Review of Final Decision of Administrative Agency. The procedure for seeking direct review by the Court of Appeals of a final order in an administrative adjudicative proceeding is defined by RCW 34.05.518 and RCW 34.05.522.(d) Method for Seeking Review of Decisions of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction. The only method for seeking direct review by the Supreme Court of a decision of a court of limited jurisdiction, without first obtaining a Superior Court decision under the RALJ, is by notice of appeal as provided for in Rule 4.3. References
Rule 16.2, Original Action Against State Officer; Rules 16.3-16.15, Personal Restraint Petition; Const. art. 4, §4.
Adopted effective 7/1/1976; Amended effective 7/2/1976; 9/1/1994; 1/27/1998.