Law of Washington (state)

Washington_State_Register

Law of Washington (state)

The Law of Washington (state) consists of several levels, including constitutional, statutory, regulatory, case law, and local law. The legal framework in Washington is based on the Washington State Constitution, which is the supreme law of the state. The state legislature, known as the Washington State Legislature, enacts statutes, while state agencies create regulations under the authority granted by statutes. The judicial system interprets these laws through case law.

Constitution

The Washington State Constitution is the foundational legal document of the state. It establishes the structure and function of the state government, including the Executive branch, Legislative branch, and Judicial branch. The constitution also includes a Bill of Rights that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to the citizens of Washington.

Statutes

Statutory law in Washington is created by the Washington State Legislature, which consists of the Washington State Senate and the Washington House of Representatives. These statutes are compiled in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). The RCW is organized by subject matter into titles, chapters, and sections.

Regulations

Regulations in Washington are created by state agencies to implement and enforce statutes. These regulations are compiled in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). The WAC is organized similarly to the RCW and provides detailed rules and procedures for various areas of law.

Case Law

The judicial system in Washington interprets and applies the law through decisions made by the courts. The highest court in the state is the Washington Supreme Court, followed by the Washington Court of Appeals and various Superior Courts and District Courts. Case law from these courts forms a significant part of Washington's legal framework.

Local Law

Local governments in Washington, including counties, cities, and towns, have the authority to enact ordinances and regulations that apply within their jurisdictions. These local laws must comply with both state and federal law.

Related Pages

• Washington State Constitution
• Washington State Legislature
• Revised Code of Washington
• Washington Administrative Code
• Washington Supreme Court
• Washington Court of Appeals
• Superior Courts
• District Courts

See Also

• United States Constitution
• Federal law of the United States
• Common law
• Statutory law
• Administrative law
• Case law