When the proceedings are electronically recorded, the court shall ensure that a written log of the proceedings is created that indicates the time of relevant events. The judicial officer shall call the case name and cause number of each proceeding and shall assure that all case participants identify themselves for the record.
Rule 80.1.Electronic recording log
Group 10: Superior Courts and Clerks · Last amended September 1, 2015 · Last verified July 13, 2026
In one sentenceRule 80.1 requires the court to keep a written log timing the key events of an electronically recorded proceeding, and requires the judicial officer to state the case name and cause number and make sure participants identify themselves.
Full Text of Rule 80.1
Amendment History
Adopted, effective September 1, 2015. Washington Local, State & Federal Court Rules Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 80.1 pairs with Rule 80's electronic-recording provisions. Once a court elects to record a proceeding electronically, the court must maintain a written log that marks the time of relevant events during that proceeding -- a running index that lets anyone later locate a specific ruling, objection, or exchange in the recording without listening to it from the beginning.
The rule also places two duties on the judicial officer at the start of each proceeding: call the case name and cause number, and make sure every participant identifies themselves for the record. Those steps make the electronic record self-identifying, so a recording reviewed later -- by an appellate court, a transcriptionist, or the parties themselves -- can be matched to the right case and the right speakers without outside help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the written log Rule 80.1 requires?
A log created during an electronically recorded proceeding that marks the time of relevant events, so the recording can be navigated to specific points later.
Does Rule 80.1 apply when a proceeding is recorded by a court reporter instead of electronically?
The rule's text addresses proceedings that are electronically recorded, requiring the time-stamped log and the case-identification steps for those proceedings.
Why does the judicial officer have to state the case name and cause number?
So the electronic recording identifies which case it covers without depending on outside records, since the recording itself becomes part of how the proceeding is documented.
Who has to identify themselves for the record under Rule 80.1?
Every participant in the proceeding -- the judicial officer is responsible for making sure that happens.
When did Rule 80.1 take effect?
September 1, 2015, according to the rule's History note.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Washington Superior Court Civil Rules, adopted by the
Supreme Court of Washington. Last verified July 13, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: electronic recording log washington courtCR 80.1time-stamped log of court proceedingscause number announcement at hearingwritten log requirement electronic recording