---
title: "Joseph M. Burrowes | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/joseph-m-burrowes-judge-benton-county-superior-court-861-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Joseph M. Burrowes

Benton County - Superior Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Benton 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=861&orgid=305)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=861&orgid=305)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=861&orgid=305)
- [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

- Earlier Role: District Court Commissioner since 2007
- Judge of the Benton-Franklin County Superior Court in Washington, elected in 2016 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. Robert G. Swisher
- Prior Judicial Role: Judge, Benton County District Court (appointed 2009)

### Education

- Gonzaga University School of Law — J.D.
- Washington State University Tri-Cities — B.A.
- A.A.: Columbia Basin College

### Additional information

- Born in Dayton, Ohio; moved to the Tri-Cities, WA, in 1979.
- Pre-Judicial Career: 15 years as a Hanford Patrol Officer and Security Specialist held a position as a prosecutor, civil litigator, family law facilitator, and defense attorney Represented municipalities (e.g., City of Pasco), corporations, and public officials
- Served on the Education Committee (chair), Washington State Bar Association Local Rules Committee, and Judicial Needs Committee



## 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.