Judge Basden Overseeing Domestic Violence Calendar
Despite public outcry and a damning state report detailing his inefficient case management, Judge Brent Basden continues to preside over Clallam County’s most delicate family disputes.
The official court calendar reflects business as usual today, showing him scheduled to oversee adoptions at 8:30 AM, the family docket at 9:00 AM, and domestic violence protection orders at 1:30 PM.
Deadly Rulings
Although Judge Basden’s decision to hire the recently terminated Commissioner Brian Parker dominated headlines, long-time observers of the Clallam County court system point to a deeper, more systemic issue rooted in Judge Basden’s past rulings and administrative failures. As a result, we analyzed two specific cases earlier this year:
The Murder of Gary Borneman (2014): In a harrowing domestic violence case, survivor Becky Kardonsky publicly stated she “pleaded” with the court for supervised visitation, citing extreme fear of her partner, Gary Borneman. Judge Basden denied this request. Shortly after, Borneman murdered Kardonsky’s boyfriend and held her at gunpoint. Kardonsky later wrote, “The tragedy all could’ve been prevented if the judge does his job.”
The Death of Gary Blanton III (2015): In a custody battle involving a toddler, DSHS caseworkers raised alarms about the safety of the child’s placement. Basden ignored their warnings. Two months later, the child died.
In response to the death of Gary Blanton, Basden took no accountability, stating that he “doesn’t get off the bench, get in the car and drive over to the home.”
Judge Barnhart Can Immediately Remove Basden
Judge Basden’s presence in the courtroom often puts vulnerable families at risk. However, a closer look at Washington State Court Rules reveals that the current Presiding Judge, Simon Barnhart, possesses the clear, statutory authority to remove Basden from all cases.
Washington State General Rule 29 explicitly states that the Presiding Judge is responsible for leading the management and administration of the court’s business and allocating resources to ensure disputes are resolved fairly and expeditiously.
GR 29(f)(1) mandates that the Presiding Judge supervise the judicial district to ensure the “expeditious and efficient processing of all cases.”
The rule goes further in GR 29(h), establishing that it is the duty of the Presiding Judge to supervise judicial officers to ensure timely case processing. If a judicial officer fails to perform their duties, the Presiding Judge “shall have the authority to address a judicial officer’s failure...and to propose remedial action.”
Finally, GR 29(f)(2) gives Judge Barnhart the authority to “establish general policies governing the assignment of judges.”
Thus, Barnhart can issue a temporary administrative order that immediately removes Judge Brent Basden from all cases and assignments in Clallam County Superior Court.
Will Judge Barnhart Act?
Removing a sitting judge from their assigned cases is a severe administrative measure, but it should be a standard practice when a court’s integrity or efficiency is compromised.
Judge Barnhart made the decision to terminate Brian Parker. He possesses the authority to assign cases to ensure the court system runs in an orderly and fair manner.
Will Judge Barnhart have the courage to use his authority and remove Judge Brent Basden from all cases and assignments?