Washington legal term
Forcible compulsion in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Forcible compulsion” 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 “Forcible compulsion” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Forcible compulsion" means physical force which overcomes resistance, or a threat, express or implied, that places a person in fear of death or physical injury to herself or himself or another person, or in fear that she or he or another person will be kidnapped. (RCW 9A.44.010)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.