Washington § 4.24.420 - Action by person committing a felony — Defense — Law enforcement activities — Actions under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 4.24.420 — Action by person committing a felony — Defense — Law enforcement activities — Actions under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4.24.420. Action by person committing a felony — Defense — Law enforcement activities — Actions under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983.

(1) Except in an action arising out of law enforcement activities resulting in personal injury or death, it is a complete defense to any action for damages for personal injury or wrongful death that the person injured or killed was engaged in the commission of a felony at the time of the occurrence causing the injury or death and the felony was a proximate cause of the injury or death.
(2) In an action arising out of law enforcement activities resulting in personal injury or death, it is a complete defense to the action that the finder of fact has determined beyond a reasonable doubt that the person injured or killed was engaged in the commission of a felony at the time of the occurrence causing the injury or death, the commission of which was a proximate cause of the injury or death.
(3) Nothing in this section shall affect a right of action under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983.
[ 2021 c 325 s 1; 1987 c 212 s 901; 1986 c 305 s 501.]

Notes

Preamble—Report to legislature—Applicability—Severability—1986 c 305: See notes following RCW 4.16.160.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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What does Revised Code of Washington § 4.24.420 cover?

Section 4.24.420 ("Action by person committing a felony — Defense — Law enforcement activities — Actions under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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