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Washington legal term

Evidence-based in Washington Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Washington legislative session

In Washington criminal law, “Evidence-based” 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 “Evidence-based” mean in Washington criminal law?

"Evidence-based" means a program or practice that has had multiple site random controlled trials across heterogeneous populations demonstrating that the program or practice is effective for the population; and (b) "Research-based" means a program or practice that has some research demonstrating effectiveness, but that does not yet meet the standard of evidence-based practices. (RCW 13.40.0357)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.