Opinion ID: 1134497
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The majority has relied improperly on statutory titles and subtitles to define the statute itself.

Text: Reference to State v. Carter, supra at 240-41 and the material quoted therefrom makes it abundantly clear the majority, in defining prostitution and sexual conduct, derives much of its supportive definitional reasoning from the title of the chapter and the various section headings. While this may appear logical, it is contrary to the very legislation upon which it depends. In 1975, subsequent to the crimes involved in Carter, but prior to the crimes charged herein, the legislature made major changes in the criminal code. Among the changes it provided in RCW 9A.04.010(5) Chapter, section, and subsection captions are for organizational purposes only and shall not be construed as part of this title. Consequently, the method of reasoning used in Carter is no longer available. Resort to chapter, section and subsection titles is entirely improper.