Court Equity and Access Program
History and Purpose
Our program was established by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in 2021 through a successfully funded decision package in order to:
- Help courts serve the growing needs of self-represented persons (SRPs) in Washington and
- Address the needs of court users from communities that have been historically marginalized and oppressed in the United States with the least access to justice.
What is "access to justice"?
All people, regardless of background, identity, or situation have an equitable opportunity to use the legal system to secure their rights under the law, effectively advocate for themselves and their interests, and be treated fairly, impartially, and with dignity.
Who are "self-represented persons"?
A plain talk term for any individual who represents themselves in a legal matter in court (i.e., without an attorney) including those who are not parties to a lawsuit. The Court Equity & Access Program may also use the terms "unrepresented litigants/persons" or "pro se litigants."
Learn more about our program's strategic priorities, goals, and objectives and how we plan to help Washington courts over the next five years.
About Us
Our Mission
To make "justice for all” a reality in Washington state courts.
Our Vision
Every person has an equitable opportunity to access the courts. Fairness, justice, inclusion, and belonging are experienced in the courts and through the work of AOC.
Our Core Values
- Access & Accessibility
- Anti-oppression
- Collaboration
- Equitable Justice
- Innovation
- Compassion
- Trust
Discover Resources
Courthouse Facilitators
Most counties have courthouse facilitator programs. A courthouse facilitator is an individual who assists self-represented parties with their family law or guardianship cases in superior court.
Learn MoreSelf-Help Centers
Free limited legal assistance for individuals representing themselves in court without an attorney.
Grays Harbor (GH) Legal Self-Help CenterWashington State Racial Justice Consortium
Read the Racial Justice Consortium's 2022 Action Plan for confronting and addressing racial injustice through court reform strategies.
Learn MoreAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Court Accessibility
All Washington state courts must comply with the ADA. Learn more about ADA requirements and resources.
Learn MoreDisability Justice Task Force
The Task Force envisions a statewide court system where people with disabilities have access to justice that not only meets legal compliance but also ensures dignity, equity, and full participation in the legal system and the profession.
Learn MoreCourt Equity and Access Program Documents
PDFs and Documents
Ensuring Fairness and the Right for Unrepresented Litigants (URLs) to Be Heard Judicial Bench Card
Washington State Judicial Code of Conduct Canon 2, Rule 2.2, Comment 4 clarifies that judicial officers are not violating the concepts of impartiality and fairness by providing URLs with reasonable accommodations to be heard as long as they do not give the URL an unfair advantage. Use this bench card for examples of reasonable accommodations, tips, and general guidelines to impartially and fairly facilitate the right of URLs to be heard.
Articles
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) established the Court Equity and Access Program as a result of a successfully funded budget decision package in 2021. Learn more about the launch of our program.
Posters
The Pronoun Poster is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and other languages by request.
Fostering Belonging in Courthouses
Created in Partnership with the Racial Justice Consortium.
To obtain courtroom posters fostering inclusion and belonging, and other print resources, please contact us at EquityandAccess@courts.wa.gov.
Contact Us
- To request additional information or obtain courtroom posters fostering inclusion and belonging, and other print resources, or to request information on this webpage in an alternate format, please contact us at EquityandAccess@courts.wa.gov.
