Washington legal term
Government in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Government” 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 “Government” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Government" includes any branch, subdivision, or agency of the government of this state and any county, city, district, or other local governmental unit; (9) "Governmental function" includes any activity which a public servant is legally authorized or permitted to undertake on behalf of a government; (10) "Indicted" and "indictment" include "informed against" and "information", and "informed against" and "information" include "indicted" and "indictment"; (11) "Judge" includes every judicial officer authorized alone or with others, to hold or preside over a court; (12) "Malice" and "maliciousl (RCW 9A.04.110)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Computer trespass in the first degree
- Criminal conspiracy
- Criminal mistreatment in the fourth degree
- Criminal mistreatment in the third degree
- Electronic data tampering in the first degree
- False academic credentials
- False identification as a peace officer
- Financial fraud
- Personal protection spray devices
- Unauthorized sale or procurement of telephone records
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.