California legal term
Computer program or software in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Computer program or software” 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 or software” mean in California criminal law?
“Computer program or software” means a set of instructions or statements, and related data, that when executed in actual or modified form, cause a computer, computer system, or computer network to perform specified functions. (Cal. Penal Code § 502)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.