California legal term
Lawful custodian in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Lawful custodian” 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 custodian” mean in California criminal law?
“Lawful custodian” means a person, guardian, or public agency having a right to custody of a child. (Cal. Penal Code § 277)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.