Nielson v. Spanaway General Medical Clinic, Inc.

(dissenting) — The constitution of our state does not mince words on the subject at hand. “The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate . . . .” Wash. Const, art. I, § 21. This court has regularly demonstrated that it, too, does not mince words. “The term ‘inviolate’ connotes deserving of the highest protection. . . . For such a right to remain inviolate, it must not diminish over time and must be protected from all assaults to its essential guaranties.” Sofie v. Fibreboard Corp., 112 Wn.2d 636, 656, 771 P.2d 711, 780 P.2d 260 (1989) (citation omitted). The right of trial by jury “is a…