California legal term
Electronic communication in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Electronic communication” 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 “Electronic communication” mean in California criminal law?
“Electronic communication” means the transfer of signs, signals, writings, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectric, or photo-optical system. (Cal. Penal Code § 1546)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.