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Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) is a post-apocalyptic action film set in a desolate, dystopian future where society has collapsed, and violent warlords control scarce resources. The film follows the titular character, Max Rockatansky, as he teams up with Imperator Furiosa to rebel against the tyrannical Immortan Joe and rescue a group of captive women. While Mad Max: Fury Road is set in a fictional, lawless world, analyzing the crimes committed in the movie under Washington State law offers a fascinating exploration of the legal consequences these actions would have if they occurred in a modern society governed by the rule of law.

1. Kidnapping and False Imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.020)

One of the central plot points in Mad Max: Fury Road is the kidnapping and enslavement of women by Immortan Joe, who keeps them captive as his “wives.” Under RCW 9A.40.020, kidnapping in the first degree is defined as intentionally abducting another person with the intent to inflict bodily injury, hold them for ransom, or facilitate the commission of a felony.

  • Washington State Application: In Washington, first-degree kidnapping is a class A felony, punishable by life imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000. Immortan Joe’s actions of forcibly keeping the women against their will would lead to multiple counts of kidnapping, resulting in the highest level of criminal penalties under state law.

2. Human Trafficking (RCW 9A.40.100)

The film also depicts elements of human trafficking, as the women are not only held against their will but are also exploited for their reproductive abilities. RCW 9A.40.100 addresses human trafficking, making it illegal to recruit, harbor, transport, or obtain a person for forced labor or sexual exploitation.

  • Washington State Application: In Washington, human trafficking is a serious offense, classified as a class A felony. The penalties for human trafficking include life imprisonment and substantial fines, making Immortan Joe’s actions subject to severe legal consequences if they occurred under Washington law.

3. Assault and Battery (RCW 9A.36.011)

Mad Max: Fury Road features numerous instances of assault and battery, where characters engage in violent confrontations using various weapons, including firearms, explosives, and melee weapons. RCW 9A.36.011 defines assault in the first degree as intentionally inflicting great bodily harm using a deadly weapon.

  • Washington State Application: In Washington, first-degree assault is a class A felony, carrying penalties of life imprisonment and significant fines. The various violent acts committed by the War Boys and other characters throughout the film would lead to multiple charges of assault and battery, with severe legal ramifications.

4. Murder and Attempted Murder (RCW 9A.32.030)

The film portrays numerous acts of murder and attempted murder, as characters kill or attempt to kill others in their struggle for survival. RCW 9A.32.030 defines first-degree murder as causing the death of another person with premeditated intent.

  • Washington State Application: In Washington, first-degree murder is a class A felony, punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty. The intentional killings depicted in the film would result in multiple counts of murder and attempted murder, with the perpetrators facing the most severe legal consequences.

5. Reckless Driving and Vehicular Assault (RCW 46.61.500 & RCW 46.61.522)

Mad Max: Fury Road is renowned for its high-speed vehicular combat scenes, where characters engage in reckless driving and use vehicles as weapons. RCW 46.61.500 defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, while RCW 46.61.522 covers vehicular assault, which occurs when a person causes serious bodily injury through reckless driving.

  • Washington State Application: In Washington, reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Vehicular assault is a class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. The numerous dangerous driving stunts and vehicular combat in the film would result in multiple charges of reckless driving and vehicular assault, with significant legal consequences.

6. Destruction of Property (RCW 9A.48.070 RCW 9A.48.080)

The film’s chaotic action sequences involve widespread destruction of property, as vehicles, structures, and other assets are damaged or destroyed during the battles. RCW 9A.48.070 and RCW 9A.48.080 cover malicious mischief, which involves intentionally damaging another person’s property.

  • Washington State Application: In Washington, malicious mischief in the first degree is a class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. The extensive destruction of property depicted in the film would lead to multiple charges of malicious mischief, with serious legal consequences for those responsible.

7. Unlawful Imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.040)

In addition to kidnapping, the film also depicts unlawful imprisonment, where characters are forcibly detained or confined against their will without lawful authority. RCW 9A.40.040 defines unlawful imprisonment as knowingly restraining another person.

  • Washington State Application: In Washington, unlawful imprisonment is a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The forced confinement of individuals in the film would result in charges of unlawful imprisonment, adding to the legal consequences faced by the captors.

Conclusion

Mad Max: Fury Road is a thrilling and visually stunning film that immerses viewers in a world where law and order have broken down, and violence reigns supreme. However, if the events depicted in the movie took place under Washington State law, the characters involved would face a wide range of serious criminal charges, including kidnapping, human trafficking, assault, murder, reckless driving, and destruction of property. These offenses carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment, substantial fines, and the possibility of the death penalty for the most egregious crimes.

While the film is set in a fictional, lawless world, it serves as a reminder of the importance of the rule of law in maintaining order and protecting individuals’ rights and safety. Understanding Washington’s legal framework provides valuable insights into the real-world consequences of such behavior and the critical role that the law plays in preventing and punishing criminal activity.

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We are no-nonsense, relentless, fair, and honest. We are great listeners instead of fast talkers, that is just who we are. More than 20 years ago, Ken began practicing law with a deeply-seeded belief that every person has the right to the best legal representation available. He built his law firm on that belief. Another belief that he strongly adheres to is his fundamental belief that clients deserve respect, with no assumptions or preconceived notions.  If you or someone you know is accused of a crime or injured as a result of the negligence of another, please have them call us at 253-720-9304 or email us info@blanfordlaw.com

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