Second Chance Month and Reentry Programs

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we're joined by Judge Rebecca Glasgow, Court of Appeals Division II judge and co-chair of Washington's Gender and Justice Commission, and Quinn Dalan, Executive Director of Central Washington Legal Aid and co-chair of the Commission's Domestic and Sexual Violence Committee. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote education and prevention efforts in our communities. In this episode, we discuss the role courts, legal aid organizations, advocates, and community partners play in helping survivors access resources, protection, and justice. Judge Glasgow and Dalan share how the Gender and Justice Commission works to address gender bias in Washington's courts, improve court responses to gender-based violence, provide judicial education and resources, and support efforts to make the justice system more accessible and responsive to survivors. They also discuss ongoing challenges, promising initiatives, and the importance of continued collaboration to improve safety and access to justice across Washington State. Subscribe for monthly episodes and stay connected with the 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 [email protected]. 

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. Subscribe for monthly episodes and stay connected with the Washington Courts Report.

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.

It’s Civic Learning Week — a national effort to highlight the importance of civic education in sustaining and strengthening our democracy. To mark the occasion, host Patric Haerle sits down with Supreme Court Justice Sal Mungia for a conversation on all things civics: why civics education matters, the role of Mock Trials and the Traveling Court program, his recent experience serving jury duty and what it taught him, his work with a local school district, and his recommendations for accessible civic resources. Listen now and join the Civic Learning Week conversation.

  Want to catch up on some of the biggest developments from the past year in Washington Courts? Tune in to the latest episode of Washington Courts Report! In this episode, host Patric Haerle walks through key takeaways from the 2026 State of the Judiciary Report, released this week to inform lawmakers and the public about the challenges, innovations, leadership updates, and major court news from the past year. Highlights include: • Updates from the Supreme Court’s Minority and Justice Commission • Newly adopted scoring changes for Washington’s Universal Bar Exam • Progress in the Hope Card program and Blake relief efforts • A historic transition underway at the Washington Supreme Court New episodes are released monthly. Be sure to subscribe the Washington Courts YouTube page or follow Washington Courts Report on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to stay up to date. We’d love to hear from you. Share what’s happening in your court or suggest future topics by emailing [email protected].

What makes a great court administrator? Find out in the newest episode of Washington Courts Report! In our January edition, host Patric Haerle talks with Marlynn Markley, the 2025 Court Manager of the Year, about her 43 years of service with Whitman County District Court and what it takes to be an effective court administrator. In the second half, Patric is joined by Dawn Marie Rubio, State Court Administrator, and Linnea Anderson, San Juan County Juvenile Court Administrator — co-chairs of the Court Management Council. They share insights on the Council’s role, the award selection process, and the leadership qualities that make a court administrator stand out. The Court Management Council presents this award annually to individuals whose leadership has transformed their courts and inspired others to take action for the greater good. 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.

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