California legal term
locking device in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “locking device” 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 “locking device” mean in California criminal law?
“locking device” means a device that is designed to prevent a firearm from functioning and, when applied to the firearm, renders the firearm inoperable. (Cal. Penal Code § 16860)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.