John A. Hays at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Court
- Cowlitz County - District Court
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
John A. Hays
Judge · Cowlitz County - District Court
Available research
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 Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=2444&orgid=363Washington 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