California legal term
Institutionalized in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Institutionalized” 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 “Institutionalized” mean in California criminal law?
“Institutionalized” means a person who is located voluntarily or involuntarily in a hospital, medical treatment facility, nursing home, acute care facility, or mental hospital. (Cal. Penal Code § 243.4)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.