In Memoriam: John Junker

It is with sadness that we announce that long-time UW Law faculty member, John Junker, has died. Professor Junker joined the UW faculty in 1964, and he taught generations of UW Law students until taking emeritus status in 2009.

Specializing in criminal law and criminal procedure, Professor Junker was a Founder and Member of the Board of the Seattle-King County Public Defender Association. He was also the Reporter and principal draftsman of the Revised Washington Criminal Code, which was enacted as Title 9A of the Revised Code of Washington in 1975.

Professor Junker served on many committees at the Law School and the University, including serving as the Chair of the Faculty Senate. Professor Mike Townsend remembers Professor Junker “as a person not afraid to speak to power on behalf of those not in a real position to do so. I saw this reflected in his scholarly pursuits, particularly those related to the death penalty, which is perhaps the ultimate exercise of power by the state, and also in the conduits through which he spoke, as for example in his service as Faculty Senate Chair.”

He was also an outstanding teacher. Dan Satterberg, former King County Prosecutor, remembers: “He kept it real, had opinions, and was one of my favorite professors. He had an impact on me throughout my professional career as a prosecutor.”