Scott Peters at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Scott Peters
Judge · Pierce County - Superior Court
Biography
Professional career
- Elected to Department 9 of the Pierce County Superior Court, succeeding Judge Edmund Murphy, and officially began his duties on January 13, 2025
- He passed the Washington State Bar Exam in 2004 and immediately began his career at the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office, where he served for over 20 years.
Education
- Undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University (2001) and his law degree from the University of Washington School of Law (2004).
Additional information
- Pierce County Superior Court is the second largest Superior Court in Washington State, serving a broad range of civil and criminal cases.
- In addition to his legal work, Peters chairs the Julian Bray Pierce County Chapter of Lawyers Helping Hungry Children, a non-profit supporting local food programs.
- Before his election, Peters also held the role of a Pro Tem Judge with Olympia Municipal Court, covering both criminal and civil matters.
- He attended Judicial College shortly after assuming office to further prepare for his role on the bench.
- He has been actively involved in professional organizations, serving as President of the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorneys’ Association for nearly a decade.
- He and his family also participate in Relay for Life, and he volunteers with his daughter’s Girl Scout Troop and competitive gymnastics program.
- Judge Peters has been involved in efforts to improve bail reform and equity for BIPOC individuals in the legal system, reflecting his commitment to fair and inclusive judicial practices.
- During his tenure, he worked in nearly every criminal unit and led multiple specialized teams, including the Property Crimes Unit, Identity Theft Unit, Drug Unit, High Priority Offender Unit, Special Assault Unit, and DUI Supervisor in the Misdemeanor Division.
- He has handled numerous homicides, high-profile cases, and jury trials.
- He resides in Pierce County with his wife, Melody, and daughter, Madison, actively engaging in family and community activities.
- Judge Peters combines extensive prosecutorial experience, judicial training, and community service, making him a well-rounded and dedicated member of the Pierce County Superior Court.
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
Pierce 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 October 11, 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 ↗