Mitchell v. Kitsap County

James and Jeanne Mitchell appeal the Kitsap County Superior Court's denial of their motion for relief from a judgment. They contend that the judge pro tempore who granted the judgment against them and in favor of Kitsap County and Peninsula Landholders was without jurisdiction to enter the judgment because neither the Mitchells nor their attorney consented to her appointment as a judge pro tempore. We reverse.

In 1987, Kitsap County approved development plans submitted by Peninsula Landholders. Shortly thereafter, James and Jeanne Mitchell filed a complaint in the Kitsap County Superior Court…