Swak v. Department of Labor & Industries

May a trial court take judicial notice of judgments entered by it in prior and separate litigation between the same parties?

Respondent sustained a head injury September 9, 1928, while engaged in extrahazardous employment. He was compensated under the workmen’s compensation act for time lost, but not for permanent partial disability. His claim was closed by the department December 21, 1928.

On February 18, 1946, respondent applied to have his claim reopened, on the ground that his condition had become aggravated. The supervisor denied the application. Upon petition, the joint board granted a…