The Washington State Constitution
THE WASHINGTON STATE CONSTIUTION
- 1. Political Power
All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights.
- 2. Supreme Law of the Land
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land.
- 3. Personal Rights
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.
- 4. Right of Petition and Assemblage
The right of petition and of the people peaceably to assemble for the common good shall never be abridged.
- 5. Freedom of Speech
Every person may freely speak, write and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right.
(Section 6 omitted)
7. Invasion of Private Affairs or Home Prohibited
No person shall be disturbed in his private affairs, or his home invaded, without authority of law.
(Section 8 omitted)
9. Rights of Accused Persons
No person shall be compelled in any criminal case to give evidence against himself, or be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense.
10. Administration of Justice
Justice in all cases shall be administered openly, and without unnecessary delay.
(Sections 11-13 omitted)
14. Excessive Bail, Fines and Punishment.
Excessive bail shall not be required, excessive fines imposed, nor cruel punishment inflicted.
15. Effect of Convictions.
No conviction shall work corruption of blood, nor forfeiture of estate.
(Sections 16-19 omitted)
20. Bail, When Authorized.
All persons charged with crime shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when the proof is evident, or the presumption great. Bail may be denied for offenses punishable by the possibility of life in prison upon a showing by clear and convincing evidence of a propensity for violence that creates a substantial likelihood of danger to the community or any persons, subject to such limitations as shall be determined by the legislature
[As amended in 104, 2010].
21. Trial by Jury.
The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate, but the legislature may provide for a jury of any number less than twelve in courts not of record, and for a verdict by nine or more jurors in civil cases in any court of record, and for waiving of the jury in civil cases where the consent of the parties interested is given thereto.
22. Rights of the Accused.
In criminal prosecutions the accused shall have the right to appear and defend in person, or by counsel, to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to have a copy thereof, to testify in his own behalf, to meet the witnesses against him face to face, to have compulsory process to compel the attendance of witnesses in his own behalf, to have a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of the county in which the offense is charged to have been committed and the right to appeal in all cases: Provided, The route traversed by any railway coach, train or public conveyance, and the water traversed by any boat shall be criminal districts; and the jurisdiction of all public offenses committed on any such railway car, coach, train, boat or other public conveyance, or at any station or depot upon such route, shall be in any county through which the said car, coach, train, boat or other public conveyance may pass during the trip or voyage, or in which the trip or voyage may begin or terminate. In no instance shall any accused person before final judgment be compelled to advance money or fees to secure the rights herein guaranteed.
[As amended in 10, 1972]
24. Right to Bear Arms.
The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men.
25. Prosecution by Information.
Offenses heretofore required to be prosecuted by indictment may be prosecuted by information, or by indictment, as shall be prescribed by law.
26. Grand Jury.
No grand jury shall be drawn or summoned in any county, except the superior judge thereof shall so order.