WA Bar Washington Civil Procedure 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Washington Civil Rules, how many days does a defendant have to serve an answer after being served with a summons and complaint?
- 20 days
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 45 days
- 60 days
Correct answer: 30 days
Under CR 12(a), a defendant in Washington must serve an answer within 20 days of service, but the Washington rules provide 30 days when service is by publication.
Question 2: In Washington, which court has general subject matter jurisdiction over civil cases?
- District Court
- Municipal Court
- Superior Court (Correct answer)
- Court of Appeals
Correct answer: Superior Court
Washington Superior Court has general subject matter jurisdiction over civil matters, including cases exceeding the $100,000 district court limit.
Question 3: Under Washington CR 56, a motion for summary judgment must be filed at least how many days before the hearing?
- 10 days
- 14 days
- 20 days
- 28 days (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 28 days
Washington CR 56 requires that a motion for summary judgment be served and filed at least 28 days before the hearing date.
Question 4: What is the statute of limitations for personal injury actions in Washington?
- 2 years
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 4 years
- 6 years
Correct answer: 3 years
Under RCW 4.16.080, Washington's statute of limitations for personal injury actions is 3 years from the date of the injury.
Question 5: Washington follows which approach to comparative fault in tort cases?
- Pure contributory negligence
- Pure comparative fault
- Modified comparative fault (50% bar) (Correct answer)
- Modified comparative fault (51% bar)
Correct answer: Modified comparative fault (50% bar)
Washington applies pure comparative fault under RCW 4.22.005, meaning a plaintiff may recover even if 99% at fault, with damages reduced proportionally.
Question 6: Under Washington law, what is the deadline for filing a notice of appeal from a superior court final judgment?
- 20 days
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 45 days
- 60 days
Correct answer: 30 days
RAP 5.2(a) requires that a notice of appeal be filed within 30 days after entry of the final judgment or order sought to be reviewed.
WA Bar Washington Civil Procedure 1
Under the Washington Civil Rules, how many days does a defendant have to serve an answer after being served with a summons and complaint?