--- title: "James M.B. Buzzard | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/james-m-b-buzzard-judge-lewis-county-municipal-courts-centralia-416-wa" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # James M.B. Buzzard Lewis County - Municipal Courts - Centralia · Judge ## Profile - Court: Lewis County - Municipal Courts - Centralia - 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=416&orgid=489) - [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=416&orgid=489) - [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=416&orgid=489) - [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/james-m-b-buzzard-judge-lewis-county-municipal-courts-centralia-416-wa", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/james-m-b-buzzard-judge-lewis-county-municipal-courts-centralia-416-wa", "name": "James M.B. 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Buzzard is a long-time Centralia attorney and judge, with a background in law, sports, and community service, currently serving as Municipal Court Judge and city attorney for multiple jurisdictions ### Education - He is a native of Centralia, graduating from Centralia High School in 1993, earning a BA from Eastern Washington University, and later obtaining his J.D. from Seattle University Law School and the University of Washington School of Law in under three years. - Eastern Washington University — BA, student-athlete ### Additional information - Appointed in June 2011 after being selected from five candidates by City Manager Rob Hill, who described him as “the best fit” for the court. - He succeeded his father, Judge Steven Buzzard, who retired in May 2011 after more than a decade on the bench. - Centralia High School (1993) — Eagle football team, first-team all-conference and all-American honors - City attorney for several local towns - Before his judicial role, Buzzard was an attorney with Buzzard Law Group and Buzzard and Associates - focusing on estate planning, probate, real estate, and business law. - Former professional football player with the San Diego Chargers ## 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.