California legal term
course of conduct in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “course of conduct” 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 “course of conduct” mean in California criminal law?
“course of conduct” means two or more acts occurring over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. (Cal. Penal Code § 646.9)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.