Castle Doctrine, right?

[roar]

I have read that Washington State is a Castle Doctrine state. I just wanted to get this confirmed by my fellow Washingtonians who have been involved with firearms longer than I have.

Thanks!

[ChristopherG]

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.16.050

That's the law on justifiable homicide in WA (by a non-LEO). If there is another law that relates specifically to what is called the 'castle doctrine' in some other states, I don't know about it (but I'm always willing to learn!).

[roar]

Thanks for the information, I suppose I should have taken the time to look for that myself.

I have heard further information that Washington State is a "Stand your ground" state, but isn't technically a full blown Castle Doctrine state. You can still be sued by the bad guy's family even if you aren't charged criminally.

[WSUXJer]

There is an RCW that does state:

"No person in the state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting by any reasonable means necessary, himself or herself, his or her family, or his or her real or personal property, or for coming to the aid of another who is in imminent danger of or the victim of assault, robbery, kidnapping, arson, burglary, rape, murder, or any other violent crime as defined in RCW 9.94A.030"

but I don't remember what the actual RCW for that statement is. ;)

[ChristopherG]

9a.16.110 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.16.110)

[roar]

That RCW sounds an awful lot like a Castle Doctrine type law; just without the cool name.