California legal term
Harassing in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Harassing” 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 “Harassing” mean in California criminal law?
“Harassing” means knowingly approaching, without consent, within 30 feet of another person or occupied vehicle for the purpose of passing a leaflet or handbill to, displaying a sign to, or engaging in oral protest, education, or counseling with, that other person in a public way or on a sidewalk area. (Cal. Penal Code § 594.39)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.