In all trials for offenses within the jurisdiction of a district judge, the defendant or the state may demand a jury, which shall consist of six, or a less number, agreed upon by the state and accused, to be impaneled and sworn as in civil cases; or the trial may be by the judge. When the complaint is for a crime or misdemeanor in the exclusive jurisdiction of the superior court, the justice hears the case as a committing magistrate, and no jury shall be allowed.
[ 1987 c 202 § 151; 1891 c 11 § 1; Code 1881 § 1890; 1875 p 51 § 2; 1873 p 382 § 188; 1854 p 260 § 174, part; RRS § 1927.]

NOTES:

Intent1987 c 202: See note following RCW 2.04.190.
Charging juries: State Constitution Art. 4 § 16.
Convicted persons liable for costs and jury fees: RCW 10.46.190.
Right to trial by jury: State Constitution Art. 1 § 21.

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Terms Used In Washington Code 10.04.050

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.