Instructions to jury on special verdict.
RCW 10.77.510
in effectWhenever the issue of insanity is submitted to the jury, the court shall instruct the jury to return a special verdict in substantially the following form: answer yes or no 1. Did the defendant commit the act charged? . . . . . 2. If your answer to number 1 is yes, do you acquit him or her because of insanity existing at the time of the act charged? . . . . . 3. If your answer to number 2 is yes, is the defendant a substantial danger to other persons unless kept under further control by the court or other persons or institutions? . . . . . 4. If your answer to number 2 is yes, does the defendant present a substantial likelihood of committing criminal acts jeopardizing public safety or security unless kept under further control by the court or other persons or institutions? . . . . . 5. If your answers to either number 3 or number 4 is yes, is it in the best interests of the defendant and others that the defendant be placed in treatment that is less restrictive than detention in a state mental hospital? . . . . .
Whenever the issue of insanity is submitted to the jury, the court shall instruct the jury to return a special verdict in substantially the following form:
answer yes or no 1. Did the defendant commit the act charged? . . . . . 2. If your answer to number 1 is yes, do you acquit him or her because of insanity existing at the time of the act charged? . . . . . 3. If your answer to number 2 is yes, is the defendant a substantial danger to other persons unless kept under further control by the court or other persons or institutions? . . . . . 4. If your answer to number 2 is yes, does the defendant present a substantial likelihood of committing criminal acts jeopardizing public safety or security unless kept under further control by the court or other persons or institutions? . . . . . 5. If your answers to either number 3 or number 4 is yes, is it in the best interests of the defendant and others that the defendant be placed in treatment that is less restrictive than detention in a state mental hospital? . . . . .
answer yes or no
1.
Did the defendant commit the act charged?
. . . . .
2.
If your answer to number 1 is yes, do you acquit him or her because of insanity existing at the time of the act charged?
. . . . .
3.
If your answer to number 2 is yes, is the defendant a substantial danger to other persons unless kept under further control by the court or other persons or institutions?
. . . . .
4.
If your answer to number 2 is yes, does the defendant present a substantial likelihood of committing criminal acts jeopardizing public safety or security unless kept under further control by the court or other persons or institutions?
. . . . .
5.
If your answers to either number 3 or number 4 is yes, is it in the best interests of the defendant and others that the defendant be placed in treatment that is less restrictive than detention in a state mental hospital?
. . . . .
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=10.77&full=trueFetched: 6/28/2026