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112 Washington opinions name it 2 courts 1961–2026 21 in the last five years
The cases below were cited by Washington courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.
| Case | Followed | Cited |
|---|---|---|
State v. Kjorsvikgreen2 sentences2024“The main purpose of the essential elements rule ‘is to give notice to an accused of the nature of the crime that he or she must be prepared to defend against.’ ” Id. (quoting State v. Kjorsvik, 117 Wn.2d 93, 101 , 812 P.2d 86 (1991). 2024“The main purpose of the essential elements rule ‘is to give notice to an accused of the nature of the crime that he or she must be prepared to defend against.’ ” Id. (quoting State v. Kjorsvik, 117 Wn.2d 93, 101 , 812 P.2d 86 (1991). | 7 | 27 |
State v. Leachgreen2 sentences2013A secondary purpose for the essential elements rule is to bar “ ‘any subsequent prosecution for the same offense.’ ” State v. Nonog, 169 Wn.2d 220, 226 , 237 P.3d 250 (2010) (quoting State v. Leach, 113 Wn.2d 679, 688 , 782 P.2d 552 (1989)). ¶10 RCW 69.50.415(1) defines the crime of “controlled substances homicide”: “A person who unlawfully delivers a controlled substance in violation of RCW 69.50-.401(2)(a), (b), or (c) which controlled substance is subsequently used by the person to whom it was delivered, resulting in the death of the user, is guilty of controlled substances homicide.” RCW 6 2013A secondary purpose for the essential elements rule is to bar “ ‘any subsequent prosecution for the same offense.’ ” State v. Nonog, 169 Wn.2d 220, 226 , 237 P.3d 250 (2010) (quoting State v. Leach, 113 Wn.2d 679, 688 , 782 P.2d 552 (1989)). ¶10 RCW 69.50.415(1) defines the crime of “controlled substances homicide”: “A person who unlawfully delivers a controlled substance in violation of RCW 69.50-.401(2)(a), (b), or (c) which controlled substance is subsequently used by the person to whom it was delivered, resulting in the death of the user, is guilty of controlled substances homicide.” RCW 6 | 3 | 20 |
Berkovitz v. Home Box Office, Inc.green2 sentences2014"Two conditions, however, circumscribe the district court's exercise of this power: first, discovery must be 'sufficiently advanced that the parties have enjoyed a reasonable opportunity to glean the material facts;' second, the district court must 'give[] the targeted party appropriate notice and a chance to present its evidence on the essential elements of the claim or defense."' (alteration in original) (quoting Berkovitz v. Home Box Office, Inc., 89 F.3d 24, 29 (1st Cir. 1996))). 2014“Two conditions, however, circumscribe the district court’s exercise of this power: first, discovery must be ‘sufficiently advanced that the parties have enjoyed a reasonable opportunity to glean the material facts;’ second, the district court must ‘give[] the targeted party appropriate notice and a chance to present its evidence on the essential elements of the claim or defense.’ ” (alteration in original) (quoting Berkovitz v. Home Box Office, Inc., 89 F.3d 24, 29 (1st Cir. 1996))). | 3 | 3 |
City of Auburn v. Brookegreen2 sentences2016Vangerpen, 125 Wn.2d at 787 ; Zillyette, 178 Wn.2d at 162 (“The mere recitation of a ‘numerical code section’ and the ‘title of an offense’ does not satisfy the essential elements rule.” (quoting City of Auburn v. Brooke, 119 Wn.2d 623, 627 , 836 P.2d 212 (1992))). 2016Vangerpen, 125 Wn.2d at 787 ; Zillyette, 178 Wn.2d at 162 (“The mere recitation of a ‘numerical code section’ and the ‘title of an offense’ does not satisfy the essential elements rule.” (quoting City of Auburn v. Brooke, 119 Wn.2d 623, 627 , 836 P.2d 212 (1992))). | 2 | 12 |
Kathie and Joe Boyer v. Kai Morimoto, MD and Plastic Surgery Northwestgreen2 sentences2026Boyer v. Morimoto, 10 Wn. App. 2d 506 , 519, 449 P.3d 285 (2019). 2026Boyer v. Morimoto, 10 Wn. App. 2d 506 , 519, 449 P.3d 285 (2019). | 2 | 9 |
State v. Zillyettegreen2 sentences2024“The main purpose of the essential elements rule ‘is to give notice to an accused of the nature of the crime that he or she must be prepared to defend against.’ ” Id. (quoting State v. Kjorsvik, 117 Wn.2d 93, 101 , 812 P.2d 86 (1991). 2017The primary goal of this essential elements rule is to give notice to an accused of the nature of the crime that he or she must be prepared to defend against, and the secondary purpose is to bar any subsequent prosecution for the same offense.2 Id. at 158-59 . 2 Because the State may correct a vague charging document with a bill of particulars, a defendant generally waives a vagueness challenge to a charging document on appeal if he or she fails to 12 No. 48295-9-II When a defendant challenges the sufficiency of a charging document for the first time on appeal, we liberally construe its langua | 2 | 5 |
State v. Georgegreen2 sentences2013City of Auburn v. Brooke, 119 Wn.2d 623, 627 , 836 P.2d 212 (1992); see also State v. George, 146 Wn. 2013City of Auburn v. Brooke, 119 Wn.2d 623, 627 , 836 P.2d 212 (1992); see also State v. George, 146 Wn. | 2 | 2 |
State v. Rhinehartgreen2 sentences2009An accused “cannot be tried for an offense not charged.” State v. Carr, 97 Wn.2d 436, 439 , 645 P.2d 1098 (1982); accord State v. Rhinehart, 92 Wn.2d 923, 928 , 602 P.2d 1188 (1979). 2009An accused “cannot be tried for an offense not charged.” State v. Carr, 97 Wn.2d 436, 439 , 645 P.2d 1098 (1982); accord State v. Rhinehart, 92 Wn.2d 923, 928 , 602 P.2d 1188 (1979). | 2 | 2 |
| Cervantes v. Peoplegreen | 2 | 2 |
Young v. Key Pharmaceuticals, Inc.green2 sentences2026Id. 2024Id. at 225 . | 1 | 6 |
Leonard v. Territorygreen2 sentences2002In Leach, we cited with approval Leonard v. Territory, 2 Wash. Terr. 381, 392 , 7 P. 872 (1885), which set forth the requirements of "the essential elements rule [that] has always been the rule in this state." "Under our laws an indictment must be direct and certain, both as regards the crime charged and as regards the particular circumstances thereof, when they are necessary to constitute a complete crime." Leach, 113 Wash.2d at 688 , 782 P.2d 552 (quoting Leonard, 2 Wash. Terr. at 392 , 7 P. 872 ). 2002In Leach , we cited with approval Leonard v. Territory of Wash., 2 Wash. Terr. 381, 392 , 7 P. 872 (1885), which set forth the requirements of “the essential elements rule [that] has always been the rule in this state.” State v. Leach, 53 Wn. | 1 | 4 |
City of Seattle v. Heingreen2 sentences1992Hein, 115 Wn.2d at 556. 1991Seattle v. Hein, 115 Wn.2d 555 , 799 P.2d 734 (1990). | 1 | 3 |
State v. Laramiegreen2 sentences2008Laramie, 141 Wash. App. at 340 , 169 P.3d 859 . ¶ 14 As stated by Division Three, the application of the essential elements rule in Clowes was "over-technical." Laramie, 141 Wash.App. at 340, n. 2 , 169 P.3d 859 . 2008App. at 340 . ¶14 As stated by Division Three, the application of the essential elements rule in Clowes was “over-technical.” Laramie, 141 Wn. | 1 | 2 |
| Blanton v. Stategreen | 1 | 2 |
| Lino Chavez v. Mark Brnovichgreen | 1 | 1 |
| Harris v. Grothgreen | 1 | 1 |
| State v. Bergerongreen | 1 | 1 |
| State v. Nassgreen | 1 | 1 |
| State v. Fraziergreen | 1 | 1 |
| State v. Weidinggreen | 1 | 1 |
| United States v. Richard A. Heidecke, Jr.green | 1 | 1 |
| Case | Negative | Cited |
|---|---|---|
| State v. Robinsongreen | 1 | 1 |
| Case | Cited | Years |
|---|---|---|
State v. Vangerpen
green
2 sentences2019"This essential elements rule exists 'to apprise the accused of the charges against him or her and to allow the defendant to prepare a defense.'" Johnson, 180 Wn.2d at 300 (quoting Vangerpen, 125 Wn.2d at 787 ). 2019"This essential elements rule exists `to apprise the accused of the charges against him or her and to allow the defendant to prepare a defense.'" Johnson, 180 Wn.2d at 300 (quoting Vangerpen, 125 Wn.2d at 787 ). | 7 | 2008–2019 |
State v. Recuenco
green
2 sentences2015State v. Recuenco, 163 Wn.2d.' 428, 434, 180 P. 3d 1276 ( 2008). " The essential elements rule requires a charging document allege facts supporting every element of the offense and identify the crime charged." Id. 2015State v. Recuenco, 163 Wn.2d.' 428, 434, 180 P. 3d 1276 ( 2008). " The essential elements rule requires a charging document allege facts supporting every element of the offense and identify the crime charged." Id. | 5 | 2009–2015 |
State v. Johnson
green
2 sentences2019"This essential elements rule exists 'to apprise the accused of the charges against him or her and to allow the defendant to prepare a defense.'" Johnson, 180 Wn.2d at 300 (quoting Vangerpen, 125 Wn.2d at 787 ). 2019"This essential elements rule exists `to apprise the accused of the charges against him or her and to allow the defendant to prepare a defense.'" Johnson, 180 Wn.2d at 300 (quoting Vangerpen, 125 Wn.2d at 787 ). | 4 | 2015–2019 |
State v. Nonog
green
2 sentences2013A secondary purpose for the essential elements rule is to bar “ ‘any subsequent prosecution for the same offense.’ ” State v. Nonog, 169 Wn.2d 220, 226 , 237 P.3d 250 (2010) (quoting State v. Leach, 113 Wn.2d 679, 688 , 782 P.2d 552 (1989)). ¶10 RCW 69.50.415(1) defines the crime of “controlled substances homicide”: “A person who unlawfully delivers a controlled substance in violation of RCW 69.50-.401(2)(a), (b), or (c) which controlled substance is subsequently used by the person to whom it was delivered, resulting in the death of the user, is guilty of controlled substances homicide.” RCW 6 2013A secondary purpose for the essential elements rule is to bar “ ‘any subsequent prosecution for the same offense.’ ” State v. Nonog, 169 Wn.2d 220, 226 , 237 P.3d 250 (2010) (quoting State v. Leach, 113 Wn.2d 679, 688 , 782 P.2d 552 (1989)). ¶10 RCW 69.50.415(1) defines the crime of “controlled substances homicide”: “A person who unlawfully delivers a controlled substance in violation of RCW 69.50-.401(2)(a), (b), or (c) which controlled substance is subsequently used by the person to whom it was delivered, resulting in the death of the user, is guilty of controlled substances homicide.” RCW 6 | 4 | 2013–2019 |
State v. Holt
green
2 sentences2000While some of our cases have suggested the information must contain a recitation of each element of the crime to pass constitutional muster, State v. Holt, 104 Wn.2d 315 , 704 P.2d 1189 (1985), other of our cases have strongly indicated the so-called essential elements test is more factually oriented. 2000While some of our cases have suggested the information must contain a recitation of each element of the crime to pass constitutional muster, State v. Holt, 104 Wn.2d 315 , 704 P.2d 1189 (1985), other of our cases have strongly indicated the so-called essential elements test is more factually oriented. | 4 | 1990–2000 |
Boguch v. Landover Corp.
green
2 sentences2012If the plaintiff fails to make out a prima facie case on the essential elements of his claim, summary judgment for the defendant is appropriate because a complete failure of proof concerning an essential element of the nonmoving party's case necessarily renders all other facts immaterial. *200 Boguch v. Landover Corp., 153 Wash. App. 595, 609 , 224 P.3d 795 (2009). 2012If the plaintiff fails to make out a prima facie case on the essential elements of his claim, summary judgment for the defendant is appropriate because a complete failure of proof concerning an essential element of the nonmoving party's case necessarily renders all other facts immaterial. *200 Boguch v. Landover Corp., 153 Wash. App. 595, 609 , 224 P.3d 795 (2009). | 3 | 2012–2021 |
State v. Leach
green
2 sentences2002In Leach , we cited with approval Leonard v. Territory of Wash., 2 Wash. Terr. 381, 392 , 7 P. 872 (1885), which set forth the requirements of “the essential elements rule [that] has always been the rule in this state.” State v. Leach, 53 Wn. 1991Although the Court of Appeals opinion in State v. Leach, 53 Wn. App. 322, 329 , 766 P.2d 1116 , aff'd, 113 Wn.2d 679 , 782 P.2d 552 (1989) did state that the essential elements rule has "assumed a quasi-jurisdictional character", it relied upon out-of-state authority and also recognized a split on this issue. | 3 | 1989–2002 |
City of Seattle v. Termain
green
2 sentences2024In Termain, we held that a complaint alleging a misdemeanor violation of a domestic violence order must identify the order alleged to have been violated, or must include other sufficient facts to apprise the defendant of the actions supporting the charges to satisfy the essential elements rule. 124 Wn. 2015App. at 476 ; City of Seattle v. Termain, 124 Wn. | 2 | 2015–2024 |
State v. KOSEWICZ
green
2 sentences2019“The purpose of this essential elements rule is to sufficiently apprise the defendant of the charges against them so that he or she may prepare a defense.” State v. Kosewicz, 174 Wn.2d 683, 691 , 278 P.3d 184 (2012). 2019“The purpose of this essential elements rule is to sufficiently apprise the defendant of the charges against them so that he or she may prepare a defense.” State v. Kosewicz, 174 Wn.2d 683, 691 , 278 P.3d 184 (2012). | 2 | 2019–2019 |
State v. Johnstone
neutral
2 sentences2011First, with respect to the holding of Recuenco III, the essential elements rule [6] requires a charging document to allege facts supporting every element of the offense and to identify the crime charged. [7] Recuenco III, 163 Wash.2d at 434 , 180 P.3d 1276 (citing State v. Leach, 113 Wash.2d 679, 689 , 782 P.2d 552 (1989)). ¶ 12 "Elements" are the facts that the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to establish that the defendant committed the charged crime. [8] Id. at 434, 180 P.3d 1276 (citing State v. Johnstone, 96 Wash.App. 839, 844 , 982 P.2d 119 (1999)). 2011First, with respect to the holding of Recuenco III, the essential elements rule 6 requires a charging document to allege facts supporting every element of the offense and to identify the crime charged. 7 Recuenco III, 163 Wn.2d at 434 (citing State v. Leach, 113 Wn.2d 679,689 , 782 P.2d 552 (1989)). ¶12 “ ‘Elements’ ” are the facts that the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to establish that the defendant committed the charged crime. 8 Id. (citing State v. Johnstone, 96 Wn. | 2 | 2011–2011 |
State v. Simms
green
2 sentences2011As to the limited grant of review before us, the Court of Appeals held that "[b]ecause the statutory requirement to double the length of the sentence for the firearm enhancements under RCW 9.94A.533(3)(d) was based on the undisputed prior conviction for assault with a firearm enhancement, we hold that the State did not violate the essential elements rule by failing to allege or prove the prior conviction beyond a reasonable doubt." Id. at 689 , 214 P.3d 919 . [5] "Firearm enhancements" are a subset of the larger category of "deadly weapon enhancements" in this context. 2011As to the limited grant of review before us, the Court of Appeals held that “[b]ecause the statutory requirement to double the length of the sentence for the firearm enhancements under RCW 9.94A.533(3)(d) was based on the undisputed prior conviction for assault with a firearm enhancement, we hold that the State did not violate the essential elements rule by failing to allege or prove the prior conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.” Id. at 689 . 5 “Firearm enhancements” are a subset of the larger category of “ ‘deadly weapon enhancements’ ” in this context. | 2 | 2011–2011 |
In Re Cruze
green
2 sentences2011Cruze, 169 Wash.2d at 431 , 237 P.3d 274 ; see supra note 2. [6] The essential elements rule is based on article I, section 22 of the Washington Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. 2011Cruze, 169 Wash.2d at 431 , 237 P.3d 274 ; see supra note 2. [6] The essential elements rule is based on article I, section 22 of the Washington Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. | 2 | 2011–2011 |
State v. Carr
green
2 sentences2009An accused “cannot be tried for an offense not charged.” State v. Carr, 97 Wn.2d 436, 439 , 645 P.2d 1098 (1982); accord State v. Rhinehart, 92 Wn.2d 923, 928 , 602 P.2d 1188 (1979). 2009An accused “cannot be tried for an offense not charged.” State v. Carr, 97 Wn.2d 436, 439 , 645 P.2d 1098 (1982); accord State v. Rhinehart, 92 Wn.2d 923, 928 , 602 P.2d 1188 (1979). | 2 | 2009–2009 |
State v. Campbell
green
2 sentences2008State v. Campbell, 125 Wn.2d 797, 801 , 888 P.2d 1185 (1995). ¶10 Sentencing enhancements, such as a deadly weapon allegation, must be included in the information. 2008State v. Campbell, 125 Wn.2d 797, 801 , 888 P.2d 1185 (1995). ¶10 Sentencing enhancements, such as a deadly weapon allegation, must be included in the information. | 2 | 2008–2008 |
State v. Davis
green
2 sentences2007Id. at 101; State v. Davis, 119 Wn.2d 657, 661 , 835 P.2d 1039 (1992). 2007Id. at 101; State v. Davis, 119 Wn.2d 657, 661 , 835 P.2d 1039 (1992). | 2 | 2007–2007 |
State v. Theroff
green
2 sentences2007When prosecutors seek enhanced penalties, notice of their intent must be set forth in the information.” State v. Theroff, 95 Wn.2d 385, 392 , 622 P.2d 1240 (1980) (emphasis added). 2007When prosecutors seek enhanced penalties, notice of their intent must be set forth in the information.” State v. Theroff, 95 Wn.2d 385, 392 , 622 P.2d 1240 (1980) (emphasis added). | 2 | 2007–2007 |
State v. Moavenzadeh
green
2 sentences1999Mora also argues that his firearm conviction must he vacated because the information did not include the element of knowledge, thus violating the essential elements rule as held in State v. Moavenzadeh, 135 Wn.2d 359 , 956 P.2d 1097 (1998). 1999Mora also argues that his firearm conviction must he vacated because the information did not include the element of knowledge, thus violating the essential elements rule as held in State v. Moavenzadeh, 135 Wn.2d 359 , 956 P.2d 1097 (1998). | 2 | 1999–1999 |
City of Kansas City v. Carlock
green
2 sentences1990E.g., Cervantes v. People, 715 P.2d 783, 786 (Colo. 1986); Kansas City v. Carlock, 12 Kan. 1989E.g., Cervantes v. People, 715 P.2d 783, 786 (Colo. 1986); Kansas City v. Carlock, 12 Kan. | 2 | 1989–1990 |
| State v. Johnson neutral | 1 | 2025–2025 |
| State v. Pry green | 1 | 2021–2021 |
| INDOOR BILLBOARD WASHINGTON, INC. v. Integra Telecom of Washington, Inc. green | 1 | 2020–2020 |
| State v. Schaffer green | 1 | 2020–2020 |
| State v. Hugdahl green | 1 | 2020–2020 |
| State v. Pelkey green | 1 | 2018–2018 |
| Hough v. Stockbridge green | 1 | 2017–2017 |
| State v. Porter green | 1 | 2016–2016 |
| City of Bothell v. Kaiser green | 1 | 2015–2015 |
| State v. Lindsey green | 1 | 2014–2014 |
| State v. Grayson green | 1 | 2014–2014 |
| State v. Gill green | 1 | 2008–2008 |
| State v. Goodman green | 1 | 2007–2007 |
| State v. Sutherland green | 1 | 2006–2006 |
| State v. Knowlton green | 1 | 2005–2005 |
| State v. Anderson green | 1 | 1999–1999 |
| State v. Delcambre green | 1 | 1995–1995 |
| United States v. Cruikshank green | 1 | 1991–1991 |
| State v. Knapp green | 1 | 1990–1990 |
| State v. McNeil green | 1 | 1989–1989 |
| State v. Unosawa green | 1 | 1989–1989 |
| Schock v. Ringling Bros. Etc. neutral | 1 | 1970–1970 |
Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.
Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.