---
title: "Walter M. Burton | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/walter-m-burton-deputy-commissioner-supreme-court-supreme-court-commissioner-56-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Walter M. Burton

Supreme Court of Washington · Deputy Commissioner

## Profile

- Court: Supreme Court of Washington
- State: Washington
- Role: Deputy Commissioner
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## 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=56&orgid=115)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=56&orgid=115)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=56&orgid=115)
- [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

- Listed as Deputy Commissioner, Supreme Court Commissioner
- LegalReportCard also lists him as a Washington Supreme Court judge who hears appellate matters, reflecting his prior judicial responsibilities

### Education


### Additional information

- This is an administrative position within the Washington Supreme Court, not a courtroom assignment.
- KnowJudges confirms he has no current court assignments and is no longer actively presiding over cases.