Washington statute
RCW 9A.16.010 — Definitions
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 9A.16: Defenses, Revised Code of Washington.
Full text of RCW 9A.16.010
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 this chapter, unless a different meaning is plainly required:
(1) "Necessary" means that no reasonably effective alternative to the use of force appeared to exist and that the amount of force used was reasonable to effect the lawful purpose intended.
(2) "Deadly force" means the intentional application of force through the use of firearms or any other means reasonably likely to cause death or serious physical injury.
Official sources
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.