“Norm Maleng’s tremendous legacy of pursuing justice above all else and treating victims with empathy deserves lasting recognition,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, prime sponsor of the ordinance. “In speaking with Norm’s family, they share our belief that naming the Regional Justice Center after Norm will memorialize his longstanding service to the citizens of King County. Every lawyer, judge, police officer, advocate, victim, and citizen who walks through the doors of the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center will have a continuing reminder of Norm’s legacy, community inspired values, and commitment to justice.”
“In King County, Norm Maleng's name is synonymous with fairness and justice,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, chair of the Law, Justice and Human Services Committee. “It is most appropriate that his name be associated with this facility, where defendants can get a second chance through Drug Court, and where domestic violence victims can find safety and a new start. The Maleng Justice Center will serve as a constant reminder that we are not here only to mete out punishment, but to serve the best interests of justice.”
“The comprehensive nature of the programs at the Regional Justice Center, with their focus on every aspect of the criminal justice system, makes the dedication of this building to Norm Maleng an appropriate way to honor his lasting impact in King County,” said Council Chair Larry Gossett.
“Naming our Regional Justice Center after Norm Maleng not only memorializes him in an area of King County government where he made an incredible impact, but will remind us every time we drive by or hear the Center’s new name that we should strive to live our life as Norm did, with honor, dignity, respect and compassion,” said Council Vice Chair Julia Patterson.
Maleng, who passed away suddenly on May 24, was first elected prosecuting attorney in 1978 and served six terms in office. During his tenure, he created and implemented a number of innovative programs in his office, including the County’s nationally-recognized sexual assault prosecution unit, a specialized homicide investigation and prosecution unit, a victim assistance unit, and a comprehensive domestic violence prosecution unit that involves an advocate for victims of domestic violence in District Courts throughout King County.Maleng was also a proponent of programs that provided alternatives to incarceration such as the County’s Drug Court, which offers first-time non-violent offenders an opportunity for diversion to drug treatment programs.
“It is fitting that the man who was the face of criminal justice in King County for a generation will now always be remembered in a building that reflects the changing nature of the criminal justice system,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “Mr. Maleng’s support for programs that serve as an alternative for incarceration is reflected in the programs that are housed in the RJC.”
“The
Regional Justice Center opened under the tenure of Norm Maleng, and it
only seems fitting that the facility would be named after him,”
said Councilmember Pete
von Reichbauer. “Norm will be remembered for his tireless pursuit
of fairness and for his years of service and unparalleled expertise in
the law. The naming of King County’s Regional Justice Center after
Norm Maleng will help ensure that his legacy lives on.”
“The Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center will serve as a fitting
tribute to a man who embodied King County’s commitment to justice,
fairness and service to all its citizens,” said Councilmember Dow
Constantine. “Under Norm’s leadership, King County developed
many of the programs housed in this justice center. Through the use of
innovative concepts such as Drug Court, Domestic Violence Court, and Re-Licensing
Court, King County has helped shift our emphasis from merely warehousing
offenders to intervening with the treatment, rehabilitation and resources
needed to turn lives around.”
“Norm
Maleng was a giant in King County. It is very appropriate that we name
this building of justice after him. We honor his name, his accomplishments
and his friendship,” said Councilmember Reagan
Dunn. “I was personally touched by Norm as a mentor and friend.
No longer will I be able to visit the Regional Justice Center without
thinking about him and that’s the way it should be. He has created
a tradition of excellence in the Prosecutor’s Office that we should
never forget.”
“As an advisor to many and a model prosecutor, I cannot think of
a more appropriate building to name after Norm Maleng than the County's
Regional Justice Center,” said Councilmember Jane
Hague.
The Regional Justice Center, which opened in March 1997, houses King County Superior and District Courts, a 1,100 bed detention facility, and deputies from the Prosecuting Attorney’s office and King County Sheriff’s office. Approximately 40 percent of the county's jury trials take place at the RJC. Superior Court also operates a specialized Drug Court and provides Unified Family Court services within the facility. King County’s Domestic Violence Court and a Re-Licensing Court operate out of the RJC. The facility is the headquarters for the detectives of the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division.
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