Juvenile Justice

The WSMA advocates that the minimum age of jurisdiction in juvenile court in Washington state be increased from age eight to age 14 years. (C-6, A-21)

The WSMA supports the creation of a task force to consider and provide recommendations regarding the implementation of juvenile jurisdiction to encompass persons ages 18 and 19 and expansion of juvenile court jurisdiction to include persons above age 19. (C-6, A-21)

The WSMA supports removing the exceptions for certain youth 8 to 12 years old to be declined to adult jurisdiction to certain charges. (C-6, A-21)

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Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:

EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health Services