The News Tribune asked the state Supreme Court on Thursday to decide the case of a Federal Way judge who is trying to block the release of documents about his role in fostering an allegedly hostile workplace.

In requesting an expedited ruling, lawyers for the newspaper argue the documents should be made public before Municipal Court Judge Michael Morgan can seek re-election in fall 2009.

“The public needs to know of the facts underlying this case by that time so that the public can make a knowledgeable decision during the fall 2009 elections,” the newspaper’s court filing states.

Morgan’s attorney, John Schochet, said Thursday that he hadn’t had time to decide whether to oppose the newspaper’s motion. But he said the key issue in the case is the independence of the judicial branch.

“This doesn’t need to be sped up to deal with elections,” Schochet said.

The News Tribune requested the case be transferred from the state Court of Appeals, which could take more than a year to rule, to the Supreme Court for an expedited decision.

A King County judge ruled in March that an investigative report and e-mails involving Morgan could be released to The News Tribune. Last month, a state appeals court commissioner put that ruling on hold.

Morgan contends that the documents are protected by attorney-client privilege.

Morgan’s current four-year term as city judge ends Dec. 31, 2009. He has not said whether he will seek re-election in November 2009.

Candidates must file in early June 2009.

Steve Maynard, The News Tribune