--- title: "Rich Melnick | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/rich-melnick-8459" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-08-02" --- # Rich Melnick Court of Appeals of Washington · Judge ## Profile - Court: Court of Appeals of Washington - State: Washington - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-06-30 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - Rich Melnick has been a Judge of the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II, District 3 since March 10, 2014, appointed by Governor Jay Inslee - Judge, Court of Appeals of Washington, 2014-present - Washington State Court of Appeals judge serving since 2014, with over 40 years of judicial and prosecutorial service, and a recognized leader in legal education and community service - Judge, Clark Superior Court (2010–2014) - Judge, Clark County District Court (2004–2010) - Prosecuting Attorney, Clark County (1981–2004) - He has taught at Clark College and serves as Education Chair of the Washington State Supreme Court’s Gender and Justice Commission ### Education - Lewis & Clark College — J.D. - in History and Political Science, Northwestern University — B.A. - Lewis & Clark Law School, member of the Cornelius Honor Society — J.D. ### Additional information - He was re‐elected in the November 6, 2018 general election. - App. - 913), one of the most cited cases in his record. - Melnick believes judges should decisively resolve cases using common sense, precedent, and legal knowledge, always remembering the real-life impact of decisions. - His tenure includes authoring numerous published opinions, such as State v. - Melnick is a frequent statewide conference presenter on ethics, search and seizure, trial advocacy, evidence, constitutional law, and domestic violence. - He also sits on the Commission on Judicial Conduct for the State of Washington. - He has directed the T.O.D.A.Y. Foundation, preparing and serving holiday meals for elderly and needy individuals for over 30 years. - He has also coached youth soccer and basketball. - Local Hero Award (Washington State Bar Association) - Ken Weber Award (Clark County Bar Association) - President’s Award (Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys) - Distinguished American Award (National Football Foundation, Clark County Chapter) ## 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.courtlistener.com/person/8459/rich-melnick/) - [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8459/rich-melnick/) - [Court of Appeals of Washington current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8459/rich-melnick/) - [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) - [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8459/rich-melnick/) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/rich-melnick-8459", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/rich-melnick-8459", "name": "Rich Melnick | KnowJudges", "description": "Rich Melnick, Court of Appeals of Washington. 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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.