California legal term
deadly weapon in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “deadly weapon” 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 “deadly weapon” mean in California criminal law?
“deadly weapon” means any weapon, the possession or concealed carrying of which is prohibited by any provision listed in Section 16590. (Cal. Penal Code § 16430)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.