Washington Courts Report

• Minority and Justice Commission: Building Bias Free Courts

  In our November edition, host Patric Haerle explores the vital work of the Washington Supreme Court’s Minority and Justice Commission (MJC). The Commission is dedicated to ensuring that all courts in Washington remain free of bias, so that justice is administered fairly and impartially. Listen in as Patric speaks with Judge Veronica Galvan, co-chair of the Commission, and Frank Thomas, Senior Commission Staff. Together, they discuss the history of the MJC, the impact of its Annual Symposium over the years, and the lasting contributions of former co-chair Justice Mary Yu. Keep an eye out for new podcast episodes releasing monthly by subscribing to the Washington Courts YouTube page or by following Washington Courts Report on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. We’d love to hear from you! Share what’s happening in your court or suggest topics you’d like us to explore. Send your ideas, news, or feedback to host [email protected] for consideration in future episodes.   MJC Homepage: Washington State Courts Washington Courts Annual Symposium: Washington State Supreme Court / Minority and Justice Symposium - TVW

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• Disability Justice Task Force: Ensuring Access, Dignity, and Equity

  In this episode of the Washington Courts Report, we explore the groundbreaking work of the Disability Justice Task Force (DJTF), formed by the Washington State Supreme Court in January 2022 to transform how people with disabilities experience the court system. Host Patric Haerle speaks with Supreme Court Justice Helen Whitener and AOC Senior Program Analyst Joslyn Nelson about the first-of-its-kind study that goes far beyond ADA compliance. This 600+ page report focuses on lived experiences, intersectionality, procedural equity, and real-world barriers that people with both visible and non-visible disabilities face when engaging with the justice system. Over 650 court professionals and users participated in an unprecedented response, revealing systemic challenges such as inaccessible courthouse infrastructure, fear of requesting accommodations, and bias in court processes. Justice Whitener and Nelson discuss proposed rule changes to GR 33 (disability accommodations) and GR 31 (privacy and public disclosure protections), as well as the need for ongoing funding to support this transformative work. Learn more about the Disability Justice Task Force: https://www.courts.wa.gov/disability-justice-task-force/ DJTF Study: https://www.courts.wa.gov/disability-justice-task-force/public/FINAL-DJTF-STUDY-REPORT.pdf 

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• Court Security

  Another episode of AOC’s podcast, “Washington Courts Report” is now live! Listen in as host Patric Haerle interviews Kyle Landry, a Court Security Consultant for the AOC as they sit down and discuss all things court security. Landry oversees AOC’s Courthouse Security Office, which advises courts on best practices, conducts security assessments, supports court security committees, coordinates security grants, and provides advisory services to judges and court staff who receive threats, among other services.

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• Judicial Well-being

  This edition focuses on judicial well-being, as host Patric Haerle speaks with Spokane Municipal Court Judge Mary Logan about the Judicial Assistance Services Program (JASP). Chaired by Judge Logan, JASP is a joint committee of SCJA and DMCJA that provides confidential support to judicial officers through trained peer counselors, fellow judges and referrals to professional help. Founded in 2004, JASP addresses the unique challenges judges face in seeking support due to the nature of their roles. This episode arrives at a time of growing international attention to judicial well-being. Earlier this year, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 25 the International Day for Judicial Well-Being, recognizing the widespread stress, burnout, and stigma that judges experience globally. The resolution is a call to action for institutions to provide systemic support and protect the health and integrity of the judiciary. Listen now to learn more about how Washington’s courts are addressing this critical issue.

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• 2025 Legislative Review

  In this edition, host Patric Haerle is joined by Haily Perkins, Supervisor of the AOC’s Office of Judicial and Legislative Relations, and Court of Appeals Division II Judge Rebecca Glasgow, Chair of the Board for Judicial Administration’s Legislative Committee. Tune in to hear highlights from the 2025 legislative session, including a discussion of key bills impacting judicial operations. Perkins and Judge Glasgow provide insight into how the BJA develops and submits its legislative proposals, review some of the most significant bills affecting courts and the AOC at the and offer a preview of what might be on the horizon for next year. 

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