California legal term
Female genital mutilation in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Female genital mutilation” 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 “Female genital mutilation” mean in California criminal law?
“Female genital mutilation” means the excision or infibulation of the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, or vulva, performed for nonmedical purposes. (Cal. Penal Code § 273.4)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.