California legal term
Child witness in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Child witness” 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 “Child witness” mean in California criminal law?
“Child witness” means any witness who is under the age of 18 at the time he or she testifies. (Cal. Penal Code § 868.4)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.