Washington Courts Report

What happens when judges, attorneys, and journalists come together to better understand each other’s roles and responsibilities? 

This month, host Patric Haerle speaks with former King County Superior Court judges Bill Downing and Judy Ramseyer about the history and work of Washington’s Bench-Bar-Press Committee, including its upcoming annual conference and luncheon. Both guests previously chaired the Liaison Sub-committee of Bench-Bar-Press (more commonly known as the Fire Brigade) and bring decades of experience navigating the intersection of courts, media, and public understanding.

Together, they discuss the committee’s longstanding efforts to strengthen relationships across the bench, bar, and press; highlighting why building trust and clarity is essential before challenging situations arise. They also explore the resources available to judges, attorneys, and journalists working through questions of court access, media coverage, and public transparency.

This episode also looks ahead to the Bench-Bar-Press Committee’s annual conference and luncheon on November 6 at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle, where attendees will have the opportunity to connect across professions and hear a timely panel on elections, voting rights, and public confidence.

Have suggestions for the show or questions about anything discussed in the episode? Email Patric.Haerle@courts.wa.gov.

In this episode of Washington Courts Report, the Washington Supreme Court reflects on this milestone anniversary and the courts’ ongoing responsibility to safeguard the rule of law.

Host Patric Haerle sits down with Chief Justice Debra Stephens and Justice Sal Mungia to discuss the Court’s recently released open letter commemorating the Declaration’s 250th anniversary. They explore why the Court chose to issue the letter, the foundational values it aims to reaffirm, and the thoughtful, collaborative process behind crafting a public statement for such a historic moment.

Listen today to hear how Washington’s highest court is honoring this anniversary—and how each of us is invited to reflect on the meaning and future of our shared democratic ideals.

In this episode, host Patric Haerle talks with Chris Simonsmeier (Clark County Juvenile Court Administrator and WAJCA President) and Jack Murphy (Douglas County Juvenile Court Administrator and incoming WAJCA President).

They discuss the work of the Washington Association of Juvenile Court Administrators, new developments in juvenile justice, and how detention alternatives and diversion programs are shaping the future for young people across the state.

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In this episode of the Washington Courts Report, host Patric Haerle speaks with Marie Docter, Attorney at Briggs and Briggs and President of the Thurston County Bar Association, about the Lawyers in the Classroom program.

On Law Day on May 1, the Washington State Bar Association partnered with the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Washington Supreme Court to launch a statewide classroom pledge. The initiative encourages lawyers across Washington to teach a civics lesson on or around Constitution Day to help strengthen civic understanding and bridge divides.

Marie shares her experiences participating in the program, including how it benefits students and practical advice for attorneys preparing to visit a classroom.

A great listen for anyone interested in civics education, public service, or supporting Washington’s future learners.

April is Second Chance Month. A month dedicated to informing and highlighting the many opportunities for state, local, and tribal governments and community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for people returning from incarceration.

To mark the occasion, host Patric Haerle sat down with the AOC’s own Yvonne Jones, a Senior Court Program Analyst, to discuss reentry programs, including: the kind of services they provide, why they’re needed and highlighting just a few of the many reentry programs in Washington.