Washington legal term
Excessive force in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Excessive force” 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 “Excessive force” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Excessive force" means force that exceeds the force permitted by law or policy of the witnessing officer's agency. (RCW 10.93.190)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.