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Washington's Second Degree Felony-Murder Rule And The Merger Doctrine: Time For Reconsideration, Jeffrey A. James

Seattle University Law Review

This Comment will discuss the effect of applying Washington's felony-murder statute where assault is the underlying felony. The case law interpreting section 9A.32.050(1)(b) of the Revised Code of Washington [hereinafter section (1)(b)] and the legislative intent behind that statute will be discussed, as will the effects of allowing assault to support a section (1)(b) charge. The thesis of this Comment is that interpretation of Washington's criminal code as a whole leads to the conclusion that the legislature never intended assault to be capable of supporting a section (1)(b) charge. It is recommended that the Washington Supreme Court reconsider its position …