Washington statute
RCW 7.69.010 — Intent
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 7.69: Crime Victims, Survivors, And Witnesses, Revised Code of Washington.
Full text of RCW 7.69.010
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official text of the Revised Code of Washington from the Code Reviser's published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Washington.
In recognition of the severe and detrimental impact of crime on victims, survivors of victims, and witnesses of crime and the civic and moral duty of victims, survivors of victims, and witnesses of crimes to fully and voluntarily cooperate with law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, and in further recognition of the continuing importance of such citizen cooperation to state and local law enforcement efforts and the general effectiveness and well-being of the criminal justice system of this state, the legislature declares its intent, in this chapter, to grant to the victims of crime and the survivors of such victims a significant role, including enhanced accessibility, in the criminal justice system. The legislature further intends to ensure that all victims and witnesses of crime are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity; ensure that all victims and witnesses are afforded access to justice to participate in criminal justice proceedings, including the opportunity to participate and attend court hearings in person or remotely, including by video or other electronic means as available in the local jurisdiction; and that the rights extended in this chapter to victims, survivors of victims, and witnesses of crime are honored, protected, and upheld by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and judges in a manner no less vigorous than the protections afforded criminal defendants.
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