Justice Charles W. Johnson was elected to the Washington State Supreme Court in January 1991. He won reelection for a second term in 1996, and a third term in 2002. He is now the most senior justice on the court, and Associate Chief Justice. Since joining the Court, Justice Johnson has distinguished himself as a scholar, law educator, role model, and a person whose integrity and sensitivity manifest themselves in his extraordinary outreach to all people of the State of Washington.
Justice Johnson was born in Tacoma. He attended Curtis High School, and graduated from the University of Washington in 1974. While working full-time in a Tacoma lumber mill, he attended the University of Puget Sound School of Law (now Seattle University School of Law) graduating in 1976.
Since 1995, Justice Johnson has been an adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law teaching a comprehensive seminar on the state constitution. In 1998, and 2005, in conjunction with the Seattle University Law Review, Justice Johnson authored a comprehensive update on Washington search and seizure law. He lectures frequently on the state constitution, appellate law issues, and the judicial process.
Justice Johnson participates generously in law-related, professional, and other community activities, including Board of Directors of the Washington Association for Children and Parents; co-chairperson, Washington State Minority and Justice Commission; and co-chairperson, Equal Civil Justice Funding Task Force.
Justice Johnson is co-founder of the Washington Hispanic Academic Achievers Program Two Justices Scholarship. He annually contributes to various charitable organizations including the YMCA Partners for Youth Program.
Justice Johnson has been recognized for his involvement with the state's courts of limited jurisdiction and dedicated service to improving judicial efficiency and promoting judicial fairness. In 1991, Justice Johnson received the Star Award for his leadership in the "Courts Helping Courts" program. In 1994, he received the Liberty Bell Award for his commitment to citizens of limited means gaining access to our justice system. In 1997, he received the Award of Distinguished Law Graduate from the Seattle University School of Law, Law Alumni Society for his significant achievements in professional and public service. In 1999, he received the Public Service Award from Seattle University for his continued dedication to law-related and community activities. In March 2002, Justice Johnson was recognized by the American Bar Association's Council on Racial and Ethnic Justice for his dedicated service and commitment to equal justice. In October 2002, he received a special commendation from the Washington State Bar Association Committee on Legal Services to the Armed Forces for his outstanding service and contribution to the Armed Forces stationed in Washington State by originating and promoting a new court rule allowing military lawyers not licensed in Washington to provide in-court representation to eligible low income service members.
A second generation lawyer--his father practiced law for over 60 years in Pierce County--Justice Johnson opened his own law practice in 1977, representing clients in nearly every area of criminal and civil litigation. A retired colleague has commented, "He's been a small town lawyer with a small town practice, and he has sympathy for the ordinary people on the streets." He describes himself as a man of the people.
Justice Johnson and his wife, Dana, live in Gig Harbor. Both he and his wife enjoy sailing, hiking, and downhill skiing.
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