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California legal term

Lawful business in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “Lawful business” 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 “Lawful business” mean in California criminal law?

“Lawful business” means a reason for being present upon school property which is not otherwise prohibited by statute, by ordinance, or by any regulation adopted pursuant to statute or ordinance. (Cal. Penal Code § 626.8)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.