California legal term
metal knuckles in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “metal knuckles” 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 “metal knuckles” mean in California criminal law?
“metal knuckles” means any device or instrument made wholly or partially of metal that is worn for purposes of offense or defense in or on the hand and that either protects the wearer’s hand while striking a blow or increases the force of impact from the blow or injury to the individual receiving the blow. (Cal. Penal Code § 16920)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.