THE MUNICIPAL COURT OF SEATTLE

Edward MC Kenna

Presiding Judge

April 25, 2019
Dear Mr. Holmes and Ms. Khandelwal:

i am in receipt of your letter dated April 24, 2019 in which you publicly question my ethics and
integrity. As a judge, i have taken an oath to uphold the laws of the City of Seattle and the State
of Washington and I take this oath very seriously. The public deserves, and our system ofjustice
demands elected officials that reflect high ethical standards, and we should all have confidence
that the justice system is fair, equitable and unbiased.

I am declining your suggestion to step aside as Seattle Municipal Court?s Presiding Judge. I was
elected to this position by my peers and enjoy continued support from the bench. The court, as
the judicial branch of City government, is a separate branch and independently elected and
should act free of outside influence. An independent, fair and impartial judiciary is imperative to
preserving the principles ofjustice and rule of law.

The citizenry of Seattle expects and demands that elected leaders work together to solve
problems facing our City. Bench/Bar meetings provide an important opportunity to raise and
discuss issues impacting the justice system. I hope we can work together as professionals in the
best interests of those we serve. The doors of our court remain open for you to attend
Bench/Bar meetings and I hope you will reconsider your decision to not attend.

In the interest of promoting public understanding and con?dence in our court, I frequently
address community groups and organizations and provide educational information on the
Criminal justice system. Most citizens are appreciative when I provide a judge?s perspective on
our system ofjustice. Regarding my participation in the recent City Maker breakfast referenced
in your letter, I deny making a statement suggesting that I personaliy felt "bound to follow the
prosecutor?s recommendation?s 99 percent of the time.? Further, the record does not support
any suggestion or inference that I disregard the advocacy of defense counsel.

I frequently invite members of the public to visit our courts to see how our system actually
works. I categorically deny your allegations that I have violated the Cannons ofJudicial Conduct
by initiating invitations to my court and by pre?determining a sentence. Both individuals you
reference have publicly denied any invitation on my part to observe the case or any form of
sentencing collusion as you infer.

With respect to any other allegations in your letter, the specifics are too vague for a detailed
reply. However, if you wish to provide me with information on hearings or trials that my
statements have interfered with, I will certainly review the matters and respond appropriately.

May I also remind each of you of your ethical obligations to maintain the integrity of your
profession. Rule 8.2 of the Rules of Professional Conduct provides: lawyer shall not make a
statement that the lawyer knows to be false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity
concerning the qualifications, integrity or record of a 

Seattle Justice Center, Room 1037, 600 Fifth Ave, P.O. Box 34987, Seattle, WA 98124?4987
Tel: (206) 684-8709 Fax: (206) 615-0766

Printed on Recycled Paper

mam

 

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I intend no actions and l?m not asking you for an apology. I simply ask that each of you initiate
an effort to publicly correct your errors.

Sincerely,

 

Edward McKenna, Presiding Judge
Seattle Municipal Court

Cc: Seattle Municipal Court Judges