The Washington Supreme Court issued its order appointing Judge Hancock as temporary SJC Superior Court Judge yesterday afternoon.

Tuesday, Dec 8 2009 - (From Washington Supreme Court release) Due to the death of Judge John Linde, the Washington Supreme Court has appointed Judge Alan Hancock of the Island County Superior Court to perform judicial duties in San Juan Superior Court, pursuant to Article IV Section 2(a) of the Constitution of the State of Washington.

The Court issued the attached Order, which will allow Judge Hancock to perform judicial duties in San Juan County to assure the prompt and orderly administration of justice there. The appointment will be effective until a new judge is selected for appointment by Governor Christine Gregoire.

“Judge John Linde was an extraordinary judge who will be missed,” said Chief Justice Gerry Alexander. “I have fond recollections of swearing Judge Linde into office in February of last year, a historic day which saw him become the first superior court judge solely dedicated to San Juan County.”

“During this time of loss, we are very thankful to Judge Hancock for agreeing to serve the citizens of San Juan County.”

As the official superior court judge during this time, Judge Hancock will have the authority to appoint pro-tem judges, as needed.

Judge Hancock served as a superior court judge for Island/San Juan County Superior Court from January of 1989 to 2008. In 2007, the Washington State Legislature separated the judicial districts of Island/San Juan County, creating the San Juan County judicial district, effective in 2008.

Hancock presides over Island County's Juvenile Drug Court. He currently chairs the State Supreme Court's Ethics Advisory Committee, and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Superior Court Judges' Association (SCJA). He recently served as the Co-Chair of the Supreme Court Code of Judicial Conduct Task Force.

Hancock is a recipient of the Washington State Bar Association's Outstanding Judge Award "in recognition of the commitment to the principles of fairness and excellence," and co-founded the Island County/Stanwood Community Public Health and Safety Network. Judge Hancock was born and lives in Coupeville, Washington. He graduated from Western Washington University in 1973 and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Washington School of Law in 1976.