Whistleblower Policy

The State Employee Whistleblower Protection Act, RCW 42.40 provides an avenue for state employees to report suspected improper governmental action, and prohibits retaliation against anyone filing a whistleblower complaint. The Act provides that the Supreme Court is to adopt a policy regarding the applicability of RCW 42.40 to the state’s judicial branch.

On September 15, 2010, the Supreme Court adopted a Whistleblower Policy to clarify the procedures that apply when complaint is filed against a judicial officer or employee of the following judicial entities:

  • The Supreme Court
  • The Court of Appeals
  • The Administrative Office of the Courts
  • The Office of Civil Legal Aid
  • The Office of Public Defense
  • The Washington State Law Library
  • The Commission on Judicial Conduct

Under the policy, a complaint filed against judicial officers rests exclusively with the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Complaints against employees who are not judicial officers can be filed with the Washington State Auditor’s Office.

More information can be found by clicking the following links:

  • Supreme Court Order Adopting Judicial Whistleblower Policy
  • Office of the State Auditor web site – Whistleblower Program
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Whistleblower Reporting Form
       ( To File with the Washington State Auditor's Office )
  • The Commission on Judicial Conduct web site
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