--- title: "Christon C. Skinner | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/christon-c-skinner-judge-island-county-superior-court-412-wa" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Christon C. Skinner Island County - Superior Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Island County - Superior Court - State: Washington - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### photography recording Scope: 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. Evidence excerpt: 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 judge [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### limitations on recording Scope: statewide If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed. Evidence excerpt: Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumption [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=412&orgid=431) - [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=412&orgid=431) - [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=412&orgid=431) - [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/christon-c-skinner-judge-island-county-superior-court-412-wa", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/christon-c-skinner-judge-island-county-superior-court-412-wa", "name": "Christon C. 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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. ## Published courtroom rules ### Shared court rules - [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-7133c6bd26c80972b86e0d31) — 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](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.