Christon C. Skinner at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Christon C. Skinner
Judge · Island County - Superior Court
Biography
Professional career
- Elected to Island County Superior Court, Position 1, in November 2020, and his term began on January 11, 2021, succeeding Judge Alan R. Hancock, who served for 32 years
- He initially worked at the law firm Zylstra, Beeksma & Waller, becoming a partner in 1985, and later founded the Law Office of Christon C. Skinner, P.S., which he operated until the end of 2020
- His court emphasizes efficient and courteous service, respect for the law, and equal access to justice
Education
- Juris Doctor from Willamette University College of Law in 1979 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from Pacific Lutheran University, obtained in 1976.
Additional information
- focusing on trial practice and litigation in both civil and criminal cases.
- Judge Christon Skinner combines decades of legal experience with judicial service, bringing extensive trial and litigation expertise to the Island County Superior Court.
- Prior to his election, Skinner had a 41-year career as a practicing attorney in Oak Harbor, Washington
- As a Superior Court judge, Skinner presides over civil and criminal cases in Island County, ensuring that cases are decided fairly and impartially based on facts and applicable law.
- His career reflects a commitment to fairness, legal rigor, and community service, making him a prominent figure in Washington State’s judicial system.
- His extensive legal education laid the foundation for his long career in both private practice and the judiciary.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Recording and broadcasting
Statewide
Washington GR 16 allows video recording, audio recording, and still photography by the news media in courtrooms only after the judge has expressly granted permission.
Video and audio recording and still photography by the news media are allowed in the courtroom during and between sessions, provided (1) that permission shall have first been expressly granted by the judgeWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Statewide
If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.
Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumptionWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Island County - Superior Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster ↗Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Statewide source · PDF · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗