California legal term
Because of in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Because of” 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 “Because of” mean in California criminal law?
“Because of” means that the bias motivation must be a cause in fact of the assault, whether or not other causes exist. (Cal. Penal Code § 241.8)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.