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Washington legal term

Civil disorder in Washington Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Washington legislative session

In Washington criminal law, “Civil disorder” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Washington criminal code.

What does “Civil disorder” mean in Washington criminal law?

"Civil disorder" means any public disturbance involving acts of violence that is intended to cause an immediate danger of, or to result in, significant injury to property or the person of any other individual. (RCW 9A.48.120)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.