California legal term
Material in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Material” 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 “Material” mean in California criminal law?
“Material” means all or any part of any archaeological, paleontological, biological, or historical item including, but not limited to, any petroglyph, pictograph, basketry, human remains, tool, beads, pottery, projectile point, remains of historical mining activity or any other occupation found in any cave. (Cal. Penal Code § 623)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.