In re the Detention of Coppin

¶1 The sexually violent predator act (SVPA), chapter 71.09 RCW, is civil in nature and provides for the right to demand a trial before a 12-person jury.1 But the *540right to a jury trial in a civil case may be waived. Whether to refuse a jury demand after such waiver is a question addressed by the trial court’s sound exercise of discretion.2

¶2 Here, John Coppin did not make a jury demand until the morning of his trial. Moreover, he expressly waived, on the record during a court hearing and in writing, his right to a jury six days before his trial. We hold that the trial court did not abuse its…