California legal term
Computer program in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Computer program” 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 “Computer program” mean in California criminal law?
“Computer program” means an ordered set of instructions or statements, and related information that, when automatically executed in actual or modified form in a computer system, causes it to perform specified functions. (Cal. Penal Code § 499c)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.