Justice G. Helen Whitener

06/08/2026

Justice Whitener was this year's Keynote speaker at the 2026 Washington League of Women Voters "The Power of Us" conference.

05/29/2026

Justice Whitener and her new colleague, Justice Colleen Melody, on the Washington Supreme Court visited Peninsula High School during the Court's visit to Peninsula College to hear oral arguments.

Nine-member court to hear oral arguments at Peninsula College today

05/29/2026

Justice Whitener, enjoyed the Supreme Court's Traveling Court's visit to Peninsula College visit. The Washington Supreme Court began traveling across the state in 1985, conducting hearings (oral arguments) in community spaces such as college and high school auditoriums and community centers. The goal of the Traveling Court program is to make oral arguments accessible to those who cannot travel to Olympia for the public hearings, and to increase understanding about the role and operations of the Court and the judicial branch.

The Court presently plans two or three visits a year based on invitations received from colleges, schools or community groups. Supreme Court justices take the opportunity to also visit with students and community members, and to hold an open question-and-answer session for the public.

Two cases presented before nine-member panel in Port Angeles

05/07/2026

Justice Whitener congratulates Pierce County Superior Court Judge, Stanley Rumbaugh!Judge Rumbaugh recieved the WA Association for Justice Award! Journalist, Lizzy Giordano recieved the Excellence in Journalism award. The Sandy Williams Justice Center at the Carl Maxey Center, located in Spokane WA was awarded the Gerhard Letzing Public Award.

05/05/2026

Justice Whitener was honored to give the Keynote address at Tacoma's first Literature Festival. Justice Whitener’s mother was in attendance. Justice Whitener writes poetry and shared her poem titled Resilient.

03/09/2026

Justice Whitener congratulates and extends a special welcome to her newest colleague, attorney Theo Angelis, on his appointment by Governor Bob Ferguson to the Washington State Supreme Court.

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03/06/2026

Justice Whitener, had the honor of publicly swearing in Judge Doris Walkins to the Pierce County Superior Court. Judge Doris Walkins is a former Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner. Judge TaTeasha Davis and Pierce County attorney Desiree S. Hosannah introduced Judge Walkins. Judge Susan Adams presided over the ceremony.

02/18/2026

Justice Whitener sends congratulations to Pierce County Commissioner Doris Walkins on her appointment by Governor Ferguson to the Pierce County Superior Court bench! Governor Ferguson said. “Her expertise and passion for public service will serve Washington well on the Pierce County Superior Court bench.”

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10/22/2025

In this episode of the Washington Courts Report, we explore the groundbreaking work of the Disability Justice Task Force (DJTF), formed by the Washington State Supreme Court in January 2022 to transform how people with disabilities experience the court system.

Host Patric Haerle speaks with Supreme Court Justice Helen Whitener and AOC Senior Program Analyst Joslyn Nelson about the DJTF and the first-of-its-kind study that goes far beyond ADA compliance. This 600+ page report focuses on lived experiences, intersectionality, procedural equity, and real-world barriers that people with both visible and non-visible disabilities face when engaging with the justice system.

Over 650 court professionals and users participated in an unprecedented response, revealing systemic challenges such as inaccessible courthouse infrastructure, fear of requesting accommodations, and bias in court processes.

Disability affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives. This episode reveals how Washington is leading the nation in building a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable justice system — not just in law, but in practice.

Visit the DJTF court website to learn how to improve access to Justice for people with disabilities.

In this episode of the Washington Courts Report, we explore the groundbreaking work of the Disability Justice Task Force (DJTF), formed by the Washington Sta...

09/19/2025

A report on disability justice in Washington found “widespread physical, programmatic, and cultural barriers."