---
title: "Dwayne L. Christopher | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/dwayne-l-christopher-judge-pierce-county-district-court-1203-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Dwayne L. Christopher

Pierce County - District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Pierce County - District 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=1203&orgid=561)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1203&orgid=561)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1203&orgid=561)
- [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)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Current Pierce County District Court Judge in Tacoma, Washington, serving since 2022, with prior judicial and legal experience in the state
- Previous judicial roles: Tacoma Municipal Court Judge (2019–2022) Judge Pro Tempore, Pierce County District Court
- held the role of a Judicial Assistant in Pierce County Superior Court for the late Judge Brian Tollefson
- Volunteer teacher for Street Law at Pierce County high schools

### Education

- Seattle University School of Law — J.D.
- cum laude in Business Administration — Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA — B.A.

### Additional information

- United Way Live United Award
- Marilyn Holzman Humanitarian Award (Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association)
- Service to Diversity Award (Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association)
- Mentor to students via Palmer Scholars board and Seattle University Moot Court competitions



## 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.