lesser standard (Washington) · Go Syfert
← Washington issues

lesser standard in Washington

55 Washington opinions name it 2 courts 1980–2026 4 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.

Followed or applied (17)

CaseFollowedCited
United States v. Rodney Sinclairgreen
cadc · 1971 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015Although criminal defendants should be given the benefit of the doubt and all fair inferences should be indulged, "there must be some rational basis for the lesser charge; otherwise it is merely a device for defendant to invoke the mercy-dispensing prerogative of the jury, and that is not by itself a permissible basis to require a lesser-included offense instruction." United States v. Sinclair, 144 U.S. App. D.C. 13 , 444 F.2d 888, 890 (1971) (footnote omitted) (citing Kelly v. United States, 125 U.S. App. 3               State v. Co

2015Although criminal defendants should be given the benefit of the doubt and all fair inferences should be indulged, “there must be some rational basis for the lesser charge; otherwise it is merely a device for defendant to invoke the mercy-dispensing prerogative of the jury, and that is not by itself a permissible basis to require a lesser-included offense instruction.” United States v. Sinclair, 144 U.S. App. D.C. 13 , 444 F.2d 888, 890 (1971) (footnote omitted) (citing Kelly v. United States, 125 U.S. App. D.C. 205 , 207, 370 F.2d 227 (1966)); see also Sparf v. United States, 156 U.S. 51, 63-6

33
Carl S. Kelly v. United Statesgreen
cadc · 1967 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015Although criminal defendants should be given the benefit of the doubt and all fair inferences should be indulged, "there must be some rational basis for the lesser charge; otherwise it is merely a device for defendant to invoke the mercy-dispensing prerogative of the jury, and that is not by itself a permissible basis to require a lesser-included offense instruction." United States v. Sinclair, 144 U.S. App. D.C. 13 , 444 F.2d 888, 890 (1971) (footnote omitted) (citing Kelly v. United States, 125 U.S. App. 3               State v. Co

2015Although criminal defendants should be given the benefit of the doubt and all fair inferences should be indulged, “there must be some rational basis for the lesser charge; otherwise it is merely a device for defendant to invoke the mercy-dispensing prerogative of the jury, and that is not by itself a permissible basis to require a lesser-included offense instruction.” United States v. Sinclair, 144 U.S. App. D.C. 13 , 444 F.2d 888, 890 (1971) (footnote omitted) (citing Kelly v. United States, 125 U.S. App. D.C. 205 , 207, 370 F.2d 227 (1966)); see also Sparf v. United States, 156 U.S. 51, 63-6

23
State v. Fernandez-Medinagreen
wash · 2000 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2009–2014
2 sentences

2014App. 192, 195 , 913 P.2d 421 (1996). 107 State v. Fernandez-Medina, 141 Wn.2d 448, 455-56 , 6 P.3d 1150 (2000). 108 State v. leremia. 78 Wn.

2009See State v. Fernandez-Medina, 141 Wn.2d 448, 454-55 , 6 P.3d 1150 (2000).

23
State v. Fernandez-Medinagreen
wash · 2000 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2009–2014
2 sentences

2014App. 192, 195 , 913 P.2d 421 (1996). 107 State v. Fernandez-Medina, 141 Wn.2d 448, 455-56 , 6 P.3d 1150 (2000). 108 State v. leremia. 78 Wn.

2009See State v. Fernandez-Medina, 141 Wn.2d 448, 454-55 , 6 P.3d 1150 (2000).

23
State v. Gunwallgreen
wash · 1986 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1995–2006
2 sentences

2006United States v. Sherlock, 962 F.2d 1349, 1358 (1989). [28] Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 , 86 S.Ct. 1602 , 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). [29] "[W]here the same act or transaction constitutes a violation of two distinct statutory provisions, the test to be applied to determine whether there are two offenses or only one, is whether each provision requires proof of a fact which the other does not." Blockburger v. United States, 284 U.S. 299, 304 , 52 S.Ct. 180 , 76 L.Ed. 306 (1932). [30] State v. Gunwall, 106 Wash.2d 54 , 720 P.2d 808 (1986). [31] Gregory does not seem to assert, nor has he pointed

2006United States v. Sherlock, 962 F.2d 1349, 1358 (1989). [28] Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 , 86 S.Ct. 1602 , 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). [29] "[W]here the same act or transaction constitutes a violation of two distinct statutory provisions, the test to be applied to determine whether there are two offenses or only one, is whether each provision requires proof of a fact which the other does not." Blockburger v. United States, 284 U.S. 299, 304 , 52 S.Ct. 180 , 76 L.Ed. 306 (1932). [30] State v. Gunwall, 106 Wash.2d 54 , 720 P.2d 808 (1986). [31] Gregory does not seem to assert, nor has he pointed

12
In Re the Detention of LaBellegreen
wash · 1986 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
2 sentences

2005The LaBelle court was “persuaded that the lesser standard of proof adopted by the Legislature strikes a fair balance between the [liberty] interests of the individual and the interests of the State.” Id.

2005The LaBelle court was "persuaded that the lesser standard of proof adopted by the Legislature strikes a fair balance between the [liberty] interests of the individual and the interest of the State." Id.

12
Almendarez-Torres v. United Statesred
scotus · 1998 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
2 sentences

2003Apprendi, 530 U.S. at 496 (quoting in part Almendarez-Torres v. United States, 523 U.S. 224, 230, 244 , 118 S. Ct. 1219 , 140 L.

2003Apprendi, 530 U.S. at 496 (quoting in part Almendarez-Torres v. United States, 523 U.S. 224, 230, 244 , 118 S. Ct. 1219 , 140 L.

12
In Re Andersongreen
wash · 1989 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
2 sentences

2024The court also noted that “[w]hile such evidence may be insufficient to satisfy due process in a nonprison setting, because a lesser standard is required to satisfy the rights of prison inmates, due process in this case was satisfied.” Id.

2024See Anderson, 112 Wn.2d at 550 ; McGonigle, 144 Wash. at 257 .

11
Walden v. City of Seattlegreen
washctapp · 1995 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
2 sentences

2019As the language suggests, “probable error” is a lesser standard than “obvious error.”5 However, the decision of the trial court herein evinces nothing that would satisfy either requirement of RAP 2.3(b)(2). ~ Many Washington cases have conflated the two standards. ~ Glass v. Stahl ~, Siecialty Co., 97 Wn.2d 880, 883 , 652 P.2d 948 (1982) (“[W]e have determined the trial court committed obvious or probable error.”); Walden v. City of Seattle, 77 Wn.

2019App. 784, 790 , 892 P.2d 745 (1995) (“[W]e will grant discretionary review under RAP 2.3(b)(1) or (2) if obvious or probable error is shown regardless of whether the error renders ‘further proceedings useless’ or ‘substantially alters the status quo or substantially limits the freedom of a party to act.”).

11
Glass v. Stahl Specialty Companygreen
wash · 1982 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
2 sentences

2019As the language suggests, “probable error” is a lesser standard than “obvious error.”5 However, the decision of the trial court herein evinces nothing that would satisfy either requirement of RAP 2.3(b)(2). ~ Many Washington cases have conflated the two standards. ~ Glass v. Stahl ~, Siecialty Co., 97 Wn.2d 880, 883 , 652 P.2d 948 (1982) (“[W]e have determined the trial court committed obvious or probable error.”); Walden v. City of Seattle, 77 Wn.

2019As the language suggests, “probable error” is a lesser standard than “obvious error.”5 However, the decision of the trial court herein evinces nothing that would satisfy either requirement of RAP 2.3(b)(2). ~ Many Washington cases have conflated the two standards. ~ Glass v. Stahl ~, Siecialty Co., 97 Wn.2d 880, 883 , 652 P.2d 948 (1982) (“[W]e have determined the trial court committed obvious or probable error.”); Walden v. City of Seattle, 77 Wn.

11
Sparf v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1895 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015Although criminal defendants should be given the benefit of the doubt and all fair inferences should be indulged, “there must be some rational basis for the lesser charge; otherwise it is merely a device for defendant to invoke the mercy-dispensing prerogative of the jury, and that is not by itself a permissible basis to require a lesser-included offense instruction.” United States v. Sinclair, 144 U.S. App. D.C. 13 , 444 F.2d 888, 890 (1971) (footnote omitted) (citing Kelly v. United States, 125 U.S. App. D.C. 205 , 207, 370 F.2d 227 (1966)); see also Sparf v. United States, 156 U.S. 51, 63-6

2015Although criminal defendants should be given the benefit of the doubt and all fair inferences should be indulged, “there must be some rational basis for the lesser charge; otherwise it is merely a device for defendant to invoke the mercy-dispensing prerogative of the jury, and that is not by itself a permissible basis to require a lesser-included offense instruction.” United States v. Sinclair, 144 U.S. App. D.C. 13 , 444 F.2d 888, 890 (1971) (footnote omitted) (citing Kelly v. United States, 125 U.S. App. D.C. 205 , 207, 370 F.2d 227 (1966)); see also Sparf v. United States, 156 U.S. 51, 63-6

11
Brinegar v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1949 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
11
United States v. Arnold Sherlock and Ronald Charleygreen
ca9 · 1992 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
11
State v. Bolandgreen
wash · 1990 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995
11
United States v. Brignoni-Poncegreen
scotus · 1975 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1987–1987
11
United States v. Hensleygreen
scotus · 1985 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1987–1987
11
One Lot Emerald Cut Stones and One Ring v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1972 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1980–1980
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Washington. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (48)

CaseCitedYears
State v. Gresham green
wash · 2012
2 sentences

2022“It is well settled that the erroneous admission of evidence in violation of ER 404(b) is analyzed 20 No. 83284-1/21 under the lesser standard for nonconstitutional error.” Gresham, 173 Wn.2d at 433 .

2019Bolanos argues that the trial court improperly admitted evidence of his prior convictions in the no-contact orders and failed to apply the redactions he requested, contrary to ER 404(b). "[E]rroneous admission of evidence in violation of ER 404(b) is analyzed under the lesser standard for nonconstitutional error." State v. Gresham, 173 Wn.2d 405,433 , 263 P.3d 207 (2012)(citing State v. Smith, 106 Wn.2d 772, 780 , 725 P.2d 951 (1986)).

52014–2022
Apprendi v. New Jersey green
scotus · 2000
2 sentences

2016The rationale for excepting prior convictions from the jury requirement is explained in Apprendi as follows: [T]here is a vast difference between accepting the validity of a prior judgment of conviction entered in a proceeding in which the defendant had the right to a jury trial and the right to require the prosecutor to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and allowing the judge to find the required fact under a lesser standard of proof. 530 U.S. at 496 .

2006Id.

42003–2016
State v. Smith green
wash · 1986
2 sentences

2019Bolanos argues that the trial court improperly admitted evidence of his prior convictions in the no-contact orders and failed to apply the redactions he requested, contrary to ER 404(b). "[E]rroneous admission of evidence in violation of ER 404(b) is analyzed under the lesser standard for nonconstitutional error." State v. Gresham, 173 Wn.2d 405,433 , 263 P.3d 207 (2012)(citing State v. Smith, 106 Wn.2d 772, 780 , 725 P.2d 951 (1986)).

2019Bolanos argues that the trial court improperly admitted evidence of his prior convictions in the no-contact orders and failed to apply the redactions he requested, contrary to ER 404(b). "[E]rroneous admission of evidence in violation of ER 404(b) is analyzed under the lesser standard for nonconstitutional error." State v. Gresham, 173 Wn.2d 405,433 , 263 P.3d 207 (2012)(citing State v. Smith, 106 Wn.2d 772, 780 , 725 P.2d 951 (1986)).

32012–2019
In Re WINSHIP green
scotus · 1970
2 sentences

2010Should, however, the continued viability of Standlee be directly presented to this court during my tenure on it, I believe that I would be inclined to advance the position admirably stated by former Justice Robert Utter in his dissent in Standlee , to wit: Where the sole reason advocated for petitioner’s violation of his parole is the commission of criminal acts upon which he has been adjudged not guilty by application of the beyond a reasonable doubt standard in the superior court of this state, to subsequently remove petitioner’s freedom by the application of a lesser standard seems to me to

2010Should, however, the continued viability of Standlee be directly presented to this court during my tenure on it, I believe that I would be inclined to advance the position admirably stated by former Justice Robert Utter in his dissent in Standlee , to wit: Where the sole reason advocated for petitioner’s violation of his parole is the commission of criminal acts upon which he has been adjudged not guilty by application of the beyond a reasonable doubt standard in the superior court of this state, to subsequently remove petitioner’s freedom by the application of a lesser standard seems to me to

32010–2016
Gagnon v. Scarpelli red
scotus · 1973
2 sentences

2010Gagnon v. Scarpelli, 411 U.S. 778 , 93 S.Ct. 1756 , 36 L.Ed.2d 656 (1973).(3) A lesser standard of due process is required in disciplinary proceedings when a prisoner is already incarcerated rather than on probation or parole.

2010Ed. 2d 656 , 93 S. Ct. 1756 (1973). (3) A lesser standard of due process is required in disciplinary proceedings when a prisoner is already incarcerated rather than on probation or parole.

31983–2010
Prekeges v. King County green
washctapp · 1999
2 sentences

2013Even applying the lesser standard of substantial compliance, U[t]he key to achieving substantial compliance with a procedural statute is the satisfaction of the substance essential to the purpose of the statute." Prekeges, 98 Wn.

2013Even applying the lesser standard of substantial compliance, “[t]he key to achieving substantial compliance with a procedural statute is the satisfaction of the substance essential to the purpose of the statute.” Prekeges, 98 Wn.

22013–2013
Turner v. Safley green
scotus · 1987
2 sentences

2008Id. at 89 .

2008Id. at 89 , 107 S.Ct. 2254 .

22008–2008
State v. Jacobson green
washctapp · 1994
2 sentences

2000A similar reading of the perjury and false swearing statutes appeared in State v. Jacobson, 74 Wash.App. 715, 726 , 876 P.2d 916 (1994), where the Court of Appeals stated: Jacobson also claims the court erred in refusing to give the lesser instruction on false swearing.

2000App. 715, 726 , 876 P.2d 916 (1994), where the Court of Appeals stated: Jacobson also claims the court erred in refusing to give the lesser instruction on false swearing.

22000–2000
State v. Cyr neutral
wash · 2020
2 sentences

2026State v. Cyr, 195 Wn.2d 492, 505 , 461 P.3d 360 (2020).

2026State v. Cyr, 195 Wn.2d 492, 505 , 461 P.3d 360 (2020).

12026–2026
State v. McGonigle neutral
wash · 1927
1 sentence

2024See Anderson, 112 Wn.2d at 550 ; McGonigle, 144 Wash. at 257 .

12024–2024
State v. Houston-Sconiers green
wash · 2017
1 sentence

2021In State v. Houston-Sconiers, 188 Wn.2d 1 (2017), the Washington Supreme Court, without extensive analysis, held that two offenders suffered prejudice even though defense counsel at sentencing argued mitigating factors based on youth.

12021–2021
District of Columbia v. Heller green
scotus · 2008
1 sentence

2020We decline to determine where the independent constitutional reasonableness standard fits among the tiers of scrutiny used to evaluate the Second Amendment. 23 No. 53245-0-II In Heller, the Court held that Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to keep and bear arms, including firearms, in the home and in an “operable” condition, tied primarily to the core purpose of “immediate self-defense.” 554 U.S. at 635 .

12020–2020
In re Cottingham green
wash · 2018
1 sentence

2020Appellants assume, without providing any support, that constitutional reasonableness is a lesser standard than strict scrutiny, or it is equal to or lesser than intermediate scrutiny. “[W]here no authorities are cited in support of a proposition, the court is not required to search out authorities, but may assume that counsel, after diligent search, has found none.” In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Cottingham, 191 Wn.2d 450 , 465 n.1, 423 P.3d 818 (2018) (alteration in original) (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting State v. Young, 89 Wn.2d 613, 625 , 574 P.2d 1171 (1978)).

12020–2020
State v. Dukowitz green
washctapp · 1991
1 sentence

2020State v. Dukowitz, 62 Wn.

12020–2020
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community v. Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board green
wash · 2007
1 sentence

2020Id. at 436 .

12020–2020
State v. Jorgenson green
wash · 2013
1 sentence

2020Id.

12020–2020
State v. Young green
wash · 1978
2 sentences

2020Appellants assume, without providing any support, that constitutional reasonableness is a lesser standard than strict scrutiny, or it is equal to or lesser than intermediate scrutiny. “[W]here no authorities are cited in support of a proposition, the court is not required to search out authorities, but may assume that counsel, after diligent search, has found none.” In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Cottingham, 191 Wn.2d 450 , 465 n.1, 423 P.3d 818 (2018) (alteration in original) (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting State v. Young, 89 Wn.2d 613, 625 , 574 P.2d 1171 (1978)).

2020Appellants assume, without providing any support, that constitutional reasonableness is a lesser standard than strict scrutiny, or it is equal to or lesser than intermediate scrutiny. “[W]here no authorities are cited in support of a proposition, the court is not required to search out authorities, but may assume that counsel, after diligent search, has found none.” In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Cottingham, 191 Wn.2d 450 , 465 n.1, 423 P.3d 818 (2018) (alteration in original) (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting State v. Young, 89 Wn.2d 613, 625 , 574 P.2d 1171 (1978)).

12020–2020
State v. Henderson green
wash · 2015
1 sentence

2017Henderson, 182 Wn.2d at 736 .

12017–2017
State v. Arreola green
wash · 2012
2 sentences

2015State v. Arreola, 176 Wn.2d 284 , 292 -93, 290 P. 3d 983 ( 2012).

2015State v. Arreola, 176 Wn.2d 284 , 292 -93, 290 P. 3d 983 ( 2012).

12015–2015
State v. Cardenas-Muratalla green
washctapp · 2014
12015–2015
State v. Brightman green
wash · 2005
12014–2014
State v. Ieremia green
washctapp · 1995
12014–2014
State v. Munden green
washctapp · 1996
12014–2014
State v. Hernandez green
washctapp · 1997
12014–2014
Kelsey Lane Homeowners Ass'n v. Kelsey Lane Co., Inc. green
washctapp · 2005
12014–2014
State v. Cowen green
washctapp · 1997
12013–2013
Phillips v. King County green
wash · 1998
12013–2013
Right-Price Recreation, L.L.C. v. Connells Prairie Community Council green
wash · 2002
12013–2013
Phillips v. King County green
wash · 1998
12013–2013
Right-Price Recreation v. Connells Prairie green
wash · 2002
12013–2013
Standlee v. Smith green
wash · 1974
12010–2010
Blockburger v. United States green
scotus · 1931
12006–2006
Miranda v. Arizona green
scotus · 1966
12006–2006
United States v. Anthony J. Smalley green
ca8 · 2002
12006–2006
State v. Perez green
hawapp · 1998
12005–2005
Arment v. Henry green
wash · 1983
11996–1996
In Re the Personal Restraint of Reismiller green
wash · 1984
11996–1996
Mullane v. Central Hanover Bank & Trust Co. green
scotus · 1950
11995–1995
Julie Ann Giles v. Richard (Dick) J. Ackerman, Sheriff of Bonneville County green
ca9 · 1984
11995–1995
State v. Harris green
· 1992
11995–1995

Statutes the citing opinions construe

WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9.94A.030 (8) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 2.06.040 (7) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 10.95.020 (5) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.32.030 (5) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.32.020 (4) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 26.52.020 (3) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9.41.040 (3) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.32.050 (3) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.52.020 (3)

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.

Where else courts name it

CA 182 (1906–2026) TX 127 (1970–2026) OH 118 (1973–2025) NY 114 (1933–2026) IL 112 (1962–2025) PA 101 (1974–2026) IN 75 (1974–2026) LA 70 (1967–2025) FL 69 (1974–2025) WA 55 (1980–2026) CT 51 (1976–2024) MI 48 (1979–2026) GA 42 (1924–2023) NJ 41 (1953–2026) MD 41 (1975–2026) DC 34 (1970–2024) MA 33 (1966–2025) VA 31 (1982–2024) AZ 29 (1977–2026) KS 27 (1977–2026) AL 22 (1979–2024) TN 21 (1989–2026) OR 20 (1969–2023) CO 19 (1979–2026) WI 18 (1925–2023) NM 17 (1975–2017) MN 17 (1980–2014) OK 17 (1962–2022) MO 16 (1987–2020) MS 16 (1987–2025) IA 15 (1974–2022) NC 14 (1958–2026) KY 13 (1964–2024) AR 12 (1983–2023) ID 12 (1980–2014) WV 12 (1979–2022) AK 12 (1977–2017) VT 12 (1975–2020) MT 11 (2005–2026) RI 11 (1983–2011) SC 10 (1989–2020) NE 10 (1982–2023) UT 9 (1929–2024) DE 9 (1973–2026) ND 9 (1990–2016) WY 9 (1990–2022) SD 6 (1979–2008) ME 6 (1981–2018) NH 6 (1980–2019) HI 5 (1984–2007) NV 5 (1997–2022)

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.

← Caselaw search · G Cite Topics · Brief Check