WA W.P.I.C. 17.05 Lawful Force—No Duty To Retreat

State: Washington

Washington Pattern Jury Instructions–Criminal (W.P.I.C.)

Part IV. Defenses  Chapter 17.  Lawful Force

WA  W.P.I.C. 17.05 Lawful Force—No Duty To Retreat

It is lawful for a person who is in a place where that person has a right to be and who has reasonable grounds for believing that [he][she] is being attacked to stand [his][her] ground and defend against such attack by the use of lawful force.

[The law does not impose a duty to retreat.][Notwithstanding the requirement that lawful force be “not more than is necessary,” the law does not impose a duty to retreat. Retreat should not be considered by you as a “reasonably effective alternative.”]