James S. Elliott at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
James S. Elliott
Judge · Yakima County - Superior Court
Biography
Professional career
- Elliott was a candidate in the November 2024 Yakima County Superior Court judicial election to succeed retiring Judge Richard Bartheld, with support from the court community and local leaders
- Began practicing law in Yakima in 1998, worked as a part-time prosecutor for Yakima County and Union Gap, and later became a partner at his law firm for 18 years
- Hon. James S. Elliott is an active judge of the Yakima County Superior Court in Washington, elected by nonpartisan vote, with a background in civil litigation and public service
Education
- Elliott is a Washington State University graduate (B.A., 1995, cum laude) and Gonzaga University School of Law graduate (J.D., 1998, magna cum laude)
Additional information
- Washington Apple Education Foundation Board member (2023–present)
- People for People Board President (2007–2013; 2023–present)
- James S. Elliott serves as a Superior Court Judge for Yakima County, Washington, a court that handles a wide range of civil and criminal cases
- The Yakima County Superior Court is one of Washington’s trial courts, and judges are chosen by the public rather than appointed
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
Yakima 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 July 26, 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 ↗