New Trial Date : May 4-9, 2020
This just in: We were a little surprised when over 3 years after the action, the prosecution was granted more time to prepare for a climate necessity defense, but we now have a new trial date for May 4-9, 2020. The "right to a speedy trial" clock has been reset to June 3rd, but we fervently hope to see an actual climate necessity defense in Mount Vernon the week of May 4th. The details are still the same, see them here in this letter from Ken.
February 12, 2020
Update - TRIAL DELAYED
On February 3, the court granted the Prosecution’s motion to delay the proceedings. The new trial date will depend on the availability of expert witnesses and attorneys, and is likely to be later this spring.
February 07, 2020
Letter from Ken -- The trial we've been waiting for
Friends, we're only a month away from the trial I've been waiting for: my full climate necessity defense trial for the Shut it Down/Valve Turners action.
Where: Skagit Superior Court, Mt Vernon, WA.
How you can help: We'd really appreciate support in the courtroom. As at past trials, we ask that folks be respectful and attend as individuals, and without banners, red shirts, etc.; it's important for us to be seen as taking the legal process seriously. We have a carpool sign up where you can offer or ask for a ride. Here's a Facebook event.
We also need to raise another $8-10k to cover experts' expenses, and other trial costs.
Defense: Lauren Regan, Cooper Brinson (CLDC), Ralph Hurwitz, and Alice Cherry, Kelsey Skaggs (Climate Defense Project), are preparing the climate necessity defense granted by the Appeals Court ruling, and we'll announce our list of expert witnesses shortly!
Please forward this to anyone who might be interested. Thanks for your help!
Ken Ward
January 08, 2020