---
title: "Thomas L Meyer | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-l-meyer-judge-thurston-county-district-court-11757-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Thomas L Meyer

Thurston County - District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Thurston 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=11757&orgid=687)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11757&orgid=687)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11757&orgid=687)
- [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

- Thomas L. Meyer is the long‐time Municipal Court Judge for the City of Yelm, Washington, serving since 1992

### Education


### Additional information

- Tenure: Served since September 29, 1992
- Recent activity: Reappointed by the Yelm City Council on October 25, 2022, after 30 years in the role
- He attended local schools and graduated from Gonzaga Law School in 1974.
- Before entering law, he held a position as a carpenter and commercial fisherman.
- Oath & commitment: Has pledged to uphold the U.S. and Washington State constitutions and to treat all parties with respect and dignity
- In his reappointment, Judge Meyer said: “I just want to thank you.
- Perhaps I’ll live my usefulness here, but I’m glad to be of service for another year”.
- He emphasizes listening as much as speaking and treating everyone with respect, even those he believes “don’t deserve it”.
- Judge Meyer is the second of eight sons, born and raised in Olympia, WA.
- He is a member of the Washington State Bar Association.



## 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.