Washington legal term
Governmental function in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Governmental function” 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 “Governmental function” mean in Washington criminal law?
"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 "maliciously" shall import an evil intent, wish, or design to vex, annoy, or injure another person. (RCW 9A.04.110)
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.