Revised Code of Washington - RCW Title 9A Washington Criminal Code - Section 9A.42.005 Findings and intent -- Christian Science treatment -- Rules of evidence

§ 9A.42.005. Findings and intent -- Christian Science treatment -- Rules of evidence

The legislature finds that there is a significant need to protect children and dependent persons, including frail elder and vulnerable adults, from abuse and neglect by their parents, by persons entrusted with their physical custody, or by persons employed to provide them with the basic necessities of life. The legislature further finds that such abuse and neglect often takes the forms of either withholding from them the basic necessities of life, including food, water, shelter, clothing, and health care, or abandoning them, or both. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature that criminal penalties be imposed on those guilty of such abuse or neglect. It is the intent of the legislature that a person who, in good faith, is furnished Christian Science treatment by a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner in lieu of medical care is not considered deprived of medically necessary health care or abandoned. Prosecutions under this chapter shall be consistent with the rules of evidence, including hearsay, under law.

[1997 c 392 § 507.]

Notes:
     Short title -- Findings -- Construction -- Conflict with federal requirements -- Part headings and captions not law -- 1997 c 392: See notes following RCW 74.39A.009.

Sections:  9A.42.005  9A.42.010  9A.42.020  9A.42.030  9A.42.035  9A.42.037  9A.42.039  9A.42.040  9A.42.045  9A.42.050  9A.42.060  9A.42.070  9A.42.080  9A.42.090  9A.42.100  Next

Last modified: April 7, 2009