Mad Max Crimes WA Law: Washington's Take on a Dystopian Classic

The 1979 cult classic Mad Max, directed by George Miller, portrays a dystopian future where law and order have broken down, leading to rampant violence and anarchy. The film’s grim depiction of a society on the brink of collapse presents numerous criminal acts that, if they occurred in Washington State, would lead to serious legal consequences. Below is an analysis of the potential crimes committed in Mad Max under Washington law.

1. Murder

Criminal Violation: RCW 9A.32.030 (Murder in the First Degree)
Summary: The film features several murders, particularly by the biker gang led by Toecutter. Under Washington law, premeditated killings, such as the deliberate targeting and killing of innocent civilians, would be classified as first-degree murder. This crime carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment.

2. Manslaughter

Criminal Violation: RCW 9A.32.060 (Manslaughter in the First Degree)
Summary: In several scenes, individuals die as a result of reckless behavior, such as dangerous driving. If these deaths were deemed unintentional but caused by recklessness or negligence, they could be classified as manslaughter under Washington law. This offense also carries significant legal consequences.

3. Vehicular Homicide

Criminal Violation: RCW 46.61.520 (Vehicular Homicide)
Summary: The film’s many high-speed chases and collisions result in multiple fatalities. In Washington State, causing the death of another person through the operation of a vehicle in a reckless manner or under the influence of drugs or alcohol constitutes vehicular homicide.

4. Assault

Criminal Violation: RCW 9A.36.011 (Assault in the First Degree)
Summary: Characters in Mad Max frequently engage in violent confrontations, resulting in serious bodily injuries. These actions would be classified as assault in the first degree under Washington law, particularly when a deadly weapon is used or when the intent is to inflict great bodily harm.

5. Kidnapping

Criminal Violation: RCW 9A.40.020 (Kidnapping in the First Degree)
Summary: The biker gang’s abduction of individuals, such as the kidnapping of Max’s wife and child, would be classified as kidnapping in the first degree under Washington law. This involves unlawfully restraining another person with the intent to inflict bodily harm, terrorize, or interfere with government functions.

6. Arson

Criminal Violation: R CW 9A.48.020 (Arson in the First Degree)
Summary: The film depicts several instances of arson, particularly by the biker gang, who set fire to property as an act of terror or revenge. In Washington, arson in the first degree involves intentionally setting fire to a building, vehicle, or other property, particularly when it endangers human life.

7. Theft

Criminal Violation: RCW 9A.56.030 (Theft in the First Degree)
Summary: The theft of vehicles and other property is rampant in Mad Max. Under Washington law, theft in the first degree involves unlawfully taking property or services valued over $5,000, or in situations where the theft involves the use of a deadly weapon.

8. Unlawful Possession of Firearms

Criminal Violation: RCW 9.41.040 (Unlawful Possession of Firearms)
Summary: Many characters, particularly members of the biker gang, are seen wielding firearms and other weapons. In Washington, possession of firearms by individuals with prior felony convictions or those carrying without a proper license would constitute unlawful possession of firearms.

9. Destruction of Property

Criminal Violation: RCW 9A.48.070 (Malicious Mischief in the First Degree)
Summary: The film depicts numerous acts of vandalism and property destruction. In Washington, willfully destroying or defacing property valued at over $5,000 is considered malicious mischief in the first degree, a serious offense.

Conclusion

Mad Max (1979) paints a vivid picture of a world where lawlessness prevails. If the events depicted in the film were to occur in Washington State, the characters would face a litany of criminal charges, including murder, kidnapping, assault, arson, and theft. The legal system in Washington would undoubtedly bring these offenders to justice, emphasizing the importance of law and order, even in the most dystopian of futures.

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