Debra L. Stephens at a glance
- Current role
- Chief Justice
- Court
- Supreme Court of Washington
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Debra L. Stephens
Chief Justice · Supreme Court of Washington
Available research
Biography
Professional career
- prof, 2007-2007
- Practitioner, 2007-2007
Judicial service
- Judge, 2007-2007
- Judge, Washington Supreme Court, 2008-present
Education
- Gonzaga University · BA
- West Valley High School
Personal record
Born 1965 · Spokane
Courtroom rules and guidance
Photography Recording
Washington GR 16 allows video recording, audio recording, and still photography by the news media in courtrooms only after the judge has expressly granted permission.
Video and audio recording and still photography by the news media are allowed in the courtroom during and between sessions, provided (1) that permission shall have first been expressly granted by the judgeWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Limitations On Recording
If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.
Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumptionWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Sources
Washington State Courts official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked August 22, 2026
https://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/supremecourt/?fa=supremecourt.justicesCourtListener judicial biographical directory
Identity source · HTML · checked August 3, 2026
https://www.courtlistener.com/person/6003/debra-l-stephens/Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Judge research source · PDF · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf