Skip to main content
ONLINE EDITION

Is It Time to Bury Barry? Why an Old Change at the Legislature Requires a New Look at Washington’s Nondelegation Doctrine

By September 1, 2022September 23rd, 2022No Comments

Abstract: Fifty years ago, the Supreme Court of Washington adopted a relaxed version of the nondelegation doctrine in a case called Barry and Barry v. Department of Motor Vehicles. The Barry rule, which only loosely restricts the delegation of policy-making power from the Legislature to other bodies, is now widely applied in Washington State. However, the Barry Court’s reasons for adjusting the nondelegation doctrine were based on an outdated understanding of the Legislature, especially its regular session schedule. While the Legislature’s regular sessions have changed since 1972—becoming longer and more frequent due to constitutional amendment—the Court has not considered how these changes in legislative operations may have undermined Barry’s lax approach to the delegation of legislative authority. Washington courts should take a fresh look at the Barry rule in the light of today’s legislative realities. A nondelegation doctrine that better aligns with the activities of the modern Legislature would help preserve the separation of powers in Washington State.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL ARTICLE

Other Articles from WLR Online

September 1, 2022 in ONLINE EDITION

Is It Time to Bury Barry? Why an Old Change at the Legislature Requires a New Look at Washington’s Nondelegation Doctrine

Abstract: Fifty years ago, the Supreme Court of Washington adopted a relaxed version of the nondelegation doctrine in a case called Barry and Barry v. Department of Motor Vehicles. The…
Read More
August 19, 2022 in ONLINE EDITION

Franco I Loved: Reconciling the Two Halves of the Nation’s Only Government-Funded Public Defender Program for Immigrants

Abstract: Detained noncitizens experiencing serious intellectual and mental health disabilities are among the most vulnerable immigrant populations in the United States. The Executive Office for Immigration Review’s (EOIR) creation of…
Read More
March 1, 2022 in ONLINE EDITION

The Finality of Unmodified Appellate Commissioner Rulings in Washington State

Abstract: In Washington appellate courts, unelected court commissioners handle most of the motion practice. Some motions are minor and mostly procedural, but other motions touch on the scope of the…
Read More
March 1, 2022 in ONLINE EDITION

Judicial Discretion is Advised: The Lack of Discretionary Appointments of Counsel for Children in Washington State Dependency Proceedings

Abstract: State agencies initiate dependency proceedings when a child is alleged, often due to parental neglect or abuse, to be a dependent of the state. The state must intervene “hen…
Read More