Here you will find information and resources about Washington courts, designed for easy access and use for the courts, the public, and teachers and educators of all kinds. Our overriding goal is to collaborate with and to share information between community members, court partners, and educators, to further meaningful access to and understanding of the Washington courts.
We were first formed by the Board for Judicial Administration in 1999, as the Public Trust and Confidence Committee, to further understanding of the judicial branch of government. We recently reimagined ourselves to focus more on engagement and the mutual sharing of information, experience, and resources.
The Committee includes judges, lawyers, administrators, county clerks, educators, organizers and members of the public. We strive for diversity in experience, geography, and community role, within a framework and culture that fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.
Please share with us your thoughts and comments, by email at: Nicole.Ack@courts.wa.gov., or by U.S. mail at: Public Engagement and Education Committee, c/o Administrative Office of the Courts, P.O. Box 41170, Olympia, WA 98504.
Purpose
The purpose of the Public Engagement and Education Committee (PEEC), formerly known as the Public Trust and Confidence Committee (PTC), is to empower the public and improve the Washington courts through authentic engagement and education.
Mission
The PEEC is a volunteer committee appointed by the Board for Judicial Administration and engages and educates the public to foster a relationship based on accountability, collaboration, and understanding. The Committee’s work is informed by acknowledging the historical, institutional, and structural disempowerment of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and other marginalized communities within the Washington courts in the pursuit of access to justice, as discussed in the Washington State Supreme Court’s June 4, 2020 open letter.
Goals
Through collaboration with judicial, legal, and community groups and organizations, PEEC will identify issues negatively impacting public confidence in the Washington courts and will:
Be a resource and partner to judicial, legal, and community groups to support and/or improve the public’s confidence in the Washington courts;
Identify recommendations for reforming the Washington courts and share them with relevant entities;
Identify and/or create tools and resources to educate and assist Washington court staff at all levels in response to the issues identified;
Identify and/or create tools and resources to engage with and educate the public in response to the issues identified; and
Monitor, evaluate, and update the tools and resources created to be responsive to the needs of the community and the gaps in confidence in the Washington courts.
Designed for posting in all courts, this handout covers frequently asked general questions, such as where to obtain information on forms, jury duty, traffic issues, fines and fees, domestic violence and more. The bottom of page two includes an area for local variations for your county as well as local resources for further information.
Judges in the Classroom
If you are a judge interested in teaching a lesson to elementary, middle or high school students, please explore Judges in the Classroom. Proven interactive lesson plans are available for download from the website that focus on the law and legal process. You may also sign up as an interested judge to be contacted if teachers from your area request a judge.
Fostering Belonging Poster
This poster provides ideas on how courthouses create a sense of belonging, for everyone.
Juror Appreciation Poster
This poster is designed for posting in all state courthouses, thanking jurors for their service.
Judicial Remarks to Prospective Jurors
Updated Judicial Remarks is a template for use by judges when addressing the jury pool prior to voir dire
Juror Stress Project
Sample cover letter and survey to measure juror stress from the first contact to the end of jury experience. Designed to provide feedback to the courts about ways to ease jury duty.
Washington State Guide to Civic Observances: Law Day and Constitution Day identifies government and other organizations that celebrate these civic observances in schools. It provides links to resources.
Model Court Tours Template
Approved by the Board of Judicial Administration in 2010, this template was designed by the BJA Public Trust and Confidence Committee to help court staff save time when contacted by a school or organization requesting a tour of the court.
Myths & Misperceptions about Washington Courts - Courthouse Posters
Posters designed for posting in state courthouses, to promote the video from Washington's judicial branch which challenges some mistaken ideas about how courts work by using real person-on-the-street interviews and responses from judges, justices, a court clerk and a state legislator.
Survey, summary and analysis of needs expressed by rural courts. Establishes a framework for further action by the stakeholders. Includes supporting data and survey instrument.
A toolkit for presiding judges on community and media outreach and other opportunities to increase public trust and confidence in the judiciary in Washington State. (Last reviewed and updated 2005)
Senior Volunteer Project
Advice, listing of roles, and brochure for using senior volunteers in court. Includes contacts of courts with senior volunteer programs. Designed to bring resources to assist with courts' work.
This tri-fold brochure will help invite opportunities for judges to speak at community events. Download the template and personalize the pdf with your court's contact information before printing. Approved by the Board of Judicial Administration in 2010. (Last reviewed and newly redesigned Fall 2015)
What's Happening in Washington Courts Activity Books
These activity books are designed for young people who are visiting court. Activities and information are age-appropriate and provide help youth learn about the judicial processes, the people at court and the vocabulary that is used.
Here is an example of our state Court of Appeals, in Traveling Court mode. As you may know, the Court travels all over the state, from time to time, to hear cases, which are open to the public. Please consider attending and see our Courts in action.
Approved by the Board of Judicial Administration in 2010, this adaptable handout was designed by the BJA Public Trust and Confidence Committee to help pro se litigants navigate district court.
Self-Represented Persons in Superior Court Civil Proceedings
Designed to be distributed by County Clerks and Superior Court Administrators’ offices. This document addresses civil actions in superior court and outlines how to start an action against someone else, how to defend yourself from an action, terms you need to know, what to wear and how to act in court and a list of helpful phone numbers and websites.
Here is an example of the state Court of Appeals, in Traveling Court mode. They travel all over the state to hear cases, which are open to the public. Please consider attending and see your courts in action.
What's Happening in Washington Courts Activity Books
These activity books are designed for young people who are visiting court. Activities and information are age-appropriate and provide help youth learn about the judicial processes, the people at court and the vocabulary that is used.
Here is an example of the state Court of Appeals, in Traveling Court mode, which may be in your school’s part of the state, and where-ever it may be, is a wonderful example of the Court in action. Please consider bringing your class to an upcoming Traveling Court opportunity!
