California legal term

hate crime in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “hate crime” 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 “hate crime” mean in California criminal law?

“hate crime” has the same meaning as in Section 422.55. (Cal. Penal Code § 190.03)

Statutes defining or using this term

Cal. Penal Code § 368.6
Cal. Penal Code § 422.55
Cal. Penal Code § 190.03
Cal. Penal Code § 594.3

Related terms in the same statutes

Crime
victim
Department
Offense
imprisonment
punishment
Because of
information
Injury
the prosecution
Disability
gender

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.