Washington Criminal Law Flashcards

Washington's 'stand your ground' principle in self-defense law means:

Answer: A person has no duty to retreat anywhere they have a lawful right to be

Washington has no duty to retreat for a person who is in a place where they have a lawful right to be and who reasonably believes deadly force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm.

Under Washington's robbery statute (RCW 9A.56.190), what distinguishes robbery from theft?

Answer: Robbery requires the use or threatened use of force or fear

Washington robbery requires that property be taken from a person by force or fear, distinguishing it from simple theft which does not involve confrontation.

Under Washington's rape shield law (RCW 9A.44.020), evidence of a victim's prior sexual conduct:

Answer: Is generally inadmissible unless the court finds specific relevance after an in camera hearing

Washington's rape shield law bars admission of a victim's past sexual conduct unless the court conducts an in camera hearing and finds the evidence relevant to a specific defense.

Washington criminalizes harassment under RCW 9A.46.020. What mental state is required?

Answer: Knowingly threatening to cause bodily injury

Washington harassment requires that the defendant knowingly threaten to cause bodily injury immediately or in the future with the intent to place the victim in reasonable fear.

Under Washington's 'Blakely' doctrine (following Blakely v. Washington), which of the following is required before a court may impose an exceptional sentence above the standard range?

Answer: A jury finding of aggravating factors beyond a reasonable doubt

After Blakely v. Washington, aggravating factors used to justify an exceptional sentence above the standard range must be found by a jury beyond a reasonable doubt, not by a judge alone.

Under Washington's accomplice liability statute (RCW 9A.08.020), a person is liable as an accomplice when they:

Answer: Aid or abet the principal with knowledge that their conduct will promote the offense

RCW 9A.08.020 makes a person liable as an accomplice when they solicit, command, encourage, or aid the principal knowing it will promote or facilitate the offense.