---
title: "Jenny Zappone | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jenny-zappone-judge-spokane-county-district-court-1420-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Jenny Zappone

Spokane County - District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Spokane 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=1420&orgid=662)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1420&orgid=662)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1420&orgid=662)
- [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

- The nonpartisan District Court Judge for Position 3 in Spokane County, Washington, serving since January 9, 2023, with a term ending January 11, 2027

### Education


### Additional information

- Nonpartisan candidate, and her current term runs through January 11, 2027.
- Zappone was elected in the November 8, 2022 general election and re-elected in November 3, 2026.
- The Spokane County Bar Association rated her “Exceptionally Well Qualified” in its 2022 judicial candidate evaluation.
- focusing on protecting the community and advocating for victims of violent crime.
- Zappone presides over civil cases, small claims, name changes, and infractions in Department 3 of the Spokane County District Court, Courtroom 203.
- Supported by Judicial Assistant Patricia Mullarkey and Judicial Secretary at the Public Safety Building, 1100 W. Mallon, Spokane, WA 99260.
- Zappone emphasizes balancing compassion with consequences to build safer, stronger communities.
- Before becoming a judge, she held the role of a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Spokane County
- She has also competed in downhill skiing at the national and international level.
- A lifelong Spokane resident, Zappone earned her degree from Whitman College and her law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law, where she also met her husband.
- She has stated that her goal as a judge is to serve Spokane County with honor, dedication, and a focus on public safety and community well-being.
- She has received endorsements from multiple local and state organizations, including the Spokane Police Guild, Spokane County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and various labor councils.



## 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.
