California legal term
independent institution of higher education in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “independent institution of higher education” 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 “independent institution of higher education” mean in California criminal law?
“independent institution of higher education” means any nonpublic higher education institution that grants undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, or both undergraduate and graduate degrees, is formed as a nonprofit corporation in this state, and is accredited by an agency recognized by the federal Department of Education; or any private postsecondary vocational institution registered, approved, or exempted by the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Vocational Education. (Cal. Penal Code § 637.9)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.