California legal term
ballistic knife in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “ballistic knife” 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 “ballistic knife” mean in California criminal law?
“ballistic knife” means a device that propels a knifelike blade as a projectile by means of a coil spring, elastic material, or compressed gas. (Cal. Penal Code § 16220)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.