California legal term
Administer in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Administer” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “Administer” mean in California criminal law?
“Administer” means the direct application of a controlled substance, whether by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other means, to the body of a patient for his immediate needs or to the body of a research subject by any of the following: (a) A practitioner or, in his presence, by his authorized agent. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 11002)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.