Judge denies injunction, but jury trial fight continues
March 20, 2026
Ephrata, Washington; March 20, 2026: A judge has denied a preliminary injunction for a multigenerational ranching family fighting for their constitutional right to a jury trial, allowing a state agency proceeding to move forward while the underlying constitutional question remains unresolved. Wade and Teresa King, whose family has ranched in Grant and Douglas counties since the 1950s, face significant penalties and compliance costs from the Washington State Department of Ecology—sought without ever letting a jury hear their case.
“Today’s denial is disappointing, but Washington’s constitution is unambiguous that the right to a jury trial shall remain inviolate, and we intend to hold the State to that promise,” said Oliver J. Dunford, senior attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation. “The Kings have spent generations building their ranch. They deserve to have their day in court before a jury of their peers, not a panel of government appointees.”
The Department of Ecology issued administrative orders against the Kings beginning in February 2023, claiming their permit-exempt stockwater ponds disturbed regulated wetlands and imposing a $267,540 civil penalty. A separate restoration order followed in January 2025, bringing estimated compliance costs to over $3.7 million. The Kings dispute that their ponds are subject to state jurisdiction at all and deny that the Department has authority to regulate stockwater ponds under Washington law. Forced to either comply or appeal to an administrative tribunal with no jury mechanism, the Kings challenged the proceeding in Grant County Superior Court. The case also raises the broader question of whether the Seventh Amendment’s civil jury trial guarantee should apply to the states, as nearly every other constitutional right does.
The case proceeds to a full merits hearing on May 21. Pacific Legal Foundation remains committed to vindicating the Kings’ right to a jury trial.
Pacific Legal Foundation represents the Kings free of charge. The case is King Ranch v. Washington State Department of Ecology.
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About Pacific Legal Foundation
Pacific Legal Foundation is a national nonprofit law firm that defends Americans threatened by government overreach and abuse. Since our founding in 1973, we challenge the government when it violates individual liberty and constitutional rights. With active cases in 34 states plus Washington, D.C., PLF represents clients in state and federal courts, with 18 wins of 20 cases litigated at the U.S. Supreme Court.