California legal term
maliciously in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “maliciously” 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 “maliciously” mean in California criminal law?
“maliciously” means an intent to do a wrongful act. (Cal. Penal Code § 374.2)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.