Wash. Rev. Code » Title 4 · Chapter 4.48
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 4.48.060 (2026)

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) Subject to the limitations and directions prescribed in the order of reference, the trial conducted by a referee shall be conducted in the same manner as a trial by the court. Unless waived in whole or in part, the referee shall apply the rules of pleading, practice, procedure, and evidence used in the superior courts of this state. The referee shall have the same power to grant adjournments, administer oaths, preserve order, punish all violations thereof upon such trial, compel the attendance of witnesses, and to punish them for nonattendance or refusal to be sworn or testify, as is possessed by the court.
(2) A referee appointed under RCW 4.48.010 shall provide clerical personnel necessary for the conduct of the proceeding, including a court reporter.
[ 1984 c 258 s 517; Code 1881 s 253; 1877 p 52 s 257; 1869 p 62 s 257; 1854 p 169 s 210; RRS s 374.]

Notes:

Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 3 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1992–2025 · leading case: Barnett v. Hicks, 829 P.2d 1087 (Wash. 1992).
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Barnett v. Hicks, 829 P.2d 1087 (Wash. 1992). · cites it 3× “RCW 4.48.060(1). However, a referee has the power to try an issue of law or fact in a civil action, to ascertain a fact for the court and either report the fact or take and report evidence presented with respect to that fact, and to execute an order, judgment or decree or other…”
Est. Of Mildred G. Johnson (Wash. Ct. App. 2016). · cites it 4× “RCW 4.48.060(1). Accordingly, “the referee shall apply the rules of pleading, practice procedure, and evidence used in the superior courts,” unless those rules are waived.”
Land Home Fin. Servs., Inc., V. Stelis, Llc (Wash. Ct. App. 2025). “Under RCW 4.48.060(1), “Subject to the limitations and directions prescribed in the order of reference, the trial conducted by a referee shall be conducted in the same manner as a trial by the court,” with the referee “apply[ing] the rules of pleading, practice, procedure, and…”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 4.48.060(1) — 3 cases
Barnett v. Hicks, 829 P.2d 1087 (Wash. 1992). “RCW 4.48.060(1). However, a referee has the power to try an issue of law or fact in a civil action, to ascertain a fact for the court and either report the fact or take and report evidence presented with respect to that fact, and to execute an order, judgment or decree or other…”
Est. Of Mildred G. Johnson (Wash. Ct. App. 2016). “RCW 4.48.060(1). Accordingly, “the referee shall apply the rules of pleading, practice procedure, and evidence used in the superior courts,” unless those rules are waived.”
Land Home Fin. Servs., Inc., V. Stelis, Llc (Wash. Ct. App. 2025). “Under RCW 4.48.060(1), “Subject to the limitations and directions prescribed in the order of reference, the trial conducted by a referee shall be conducted in the same manner as a trial by the court,” with the referee “apply[ing] the rules of pleading, practice, procedure, and…”
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