RCW 9A.16.010 Definitions. In this chapter, unless a different meaning is plainly required: (1) “Necessary” means that no reasonably effective alternative to the use of force appeared to exist and that the amount of force used was reasonable to effect the lawful purpose intended. (2) “Deadly force” means the intentional application of force through the […]
RCW 9A.16.020 Use of force—When lawful. The use, attempt, or offer to use force upon or toward the person of another is not unlawful in the following cases: (1) Whenever necessarily used by a public officer in the performance of a legal duty, or a person assisting the officer and acting under the officer’s direction; […]
RCW 9A.16.025 Use of force—When unjustified—Victim identity. A person is not justified in using force against another based on the discovery of, knowledge about, or potential disclosure of the victim’s actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, including under circumstances in which the victim made an unwanted nonforcible romantic or sexual […]
RCW 9A.16.030 Homicide—When excusable. Homicide is excusable when committed by accident or misfortune in doing any lawful act by lawful means, without criminal negligence, or without any unlawful intent. [ 1979 ex.s. c 244 § 8; 1975 1st ex.s. c 260 § 9A.16.030.] NOTES: Effective date—1979 ex.s. c 244: See RCW 9A.44.902.
RCW 9A.16.040 Justifiable homicide or use of deadly force by public officer, peace officer, person aiding—Good faith standard. (1) Homicide or the use of deadly force is justifiable in the following cases: (a) When a public officer applies deadly force in obedience to the judgment of a competent court; or (b) When necessarily used by […]
RCW 9A.16.046 Justifiable homicide or use of deadly force by peace officer—Reimbursement of defendant for costs—Special verdict. (1) When a peace officer who is charged with a crime is found not guilty or charges are dismissed by reason of justifiable homicide or use of deadly force under RCW 9A.16.040, or by reason of self-defense, for […]
RCW 9A.16.050 Homicide—By other person—When justifiable. Homicide is also justifiable when committed either: (1) In the lawful defense of the slayer, or his or her husband, wife, parent, child, brother, or sister, or of any other person in his or her presence or company, when there is reasonable ground to apprehend a design on the […]
RCW 9A.16.060 Duress. (1) In any prosecution for a crime, it is a defense that: (a) The actor participated in the crime under compulsion by another who by threat or use of force created an apprehension in the mind of the actor that in case of refusal he or she or another would be liable […]
RCW 9A.16.070 Entrapment. (1) In any prosecution for a crime, it is a defense that: (a) The criminal design originated in the mind of law enforcement officials, or any person acting under their direction, and (b) The actor was lured or induced to commit a crime which the actor had not otherwise intended to commit. […]
RCW 9A.16.080 Action for being detained on mercantile establishment premises for investigation—”Reasonable grounds” as defense. In any criminal action brought by reason of any person having been detained on or in the immediate vicinity of the premises of a mercantile establishment for the purpose of investigation or questioning as to the ownership of any merchandise, […]
RCW 9A.16.090 Intoxication. No act committed by a person while in a state of voluntary intoxication shall be deemed less criminal by reason of his or her condition, but whenever the actual existence of any particular mental state is a necessary element to constitute a particular species or degree of crime, the fact of his […]
RCW 9A.16.100 Use of force on children—Policy—Actions presumed unreasonable. It is the policy of this state to protect children from assault and abuse and to encourage parents, teachers, and their authorized agents to use methods of correction and restraint of children that are not dangerous to the children. However, the physical discipline of a child […]
RCW 9A.16.110 Defending against violent crime—Reimbursement. (1) No person in the state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting by any reasonable means necessary, himself or herself, his or her family, or his or her real or personal property, or for coming to the aid of another who is in […]
RCW 9A.16.120 Outdoor music festival, campground—Detention. (1) In a criminal action brought against the detainer by reason of a person having been detained on or in the immediate vicinity of the premises of an outdoor music festival or related campground for the purpose of pursuing an investigation or questioning by a law enforcement officer as […]
RCW 9A.16.900 Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521. For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships […]
