Opinion ID: 2546738
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: analysis

Text: ¶ 9 For the purposes of our review we first recognize that [o]ur precedent ... clearly establishes that statutes defining punishment fall within the province of the legislature. State v. Varga, 151 Wash.2d 179, 193, 86 P.3d 139 (2004) (citing State v. Bryan, 93 Wash.2d 177, 181, 606 P.2d 1228 (1980) (Determination of crimes and punishment has traditionally been a legislative prerogative, subject to only very limited review in the courts.)). In short, it is settled law that the `[f]ixing of penalties or punishments for criminal offenses is a legislative function, and the power of the legislature in that respect is plenary and subject only to constitutional provisions.' Varga, 151 Wash.2d at 193, 86 P.3d 139 (quoting State v. Thorne, 129 Wash.2d 736, 767, 921 P.2d 514 (1996) (quoting State v. Mulcare, 189 Wash. 625, 628, 66 P.2d 360 (1937))). It is with deference to these well-defined legislative powers that we begin our analysis. A