HB 3062 - DIGEST

     Declares an intent that in criminal matters arising under RCW 9A.36.050, careful consideration should be given to the following:  (1) The responsibilities of persons with a duty to supervise or care for any minor involved, such as the minor's parent, and the age and maturity of any minor involved.  To the extent a minor lacks the maturity to  take responsibility for his or her own actions, a person with a duty to supervise or care for the minor ought to bear a greater degree of responsibility for the actions of the minor.  Conversely, to the extent a minor is mature enough to take responsibility and to be tried for a crime, a person with a duty to supervise or care for the minor ought to bear a lesser degree of responsibility for the actions of the minor;

     (2) maintaining a reasonable balance between an individual's constitutional right to self-protection and the individual's corresponding obligation to exercise that right in a responsible manner;

     (3) promoting public safety, maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system, and upholding the right of victims and their families to see justice done.  Where criminal conduct results in death or serious injury, prosecutors should clearly and concisely justify a decision not to prosecute in a particular case.