California legal term
nunchaku in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “nunchaku” 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 “nunchaku” mean in California criminal law?
“nunchaku” means an instrument consisting of two or more sticks, clubs, bars, or rods to be used as handles, connected by a rope, cord, wire, or chain, in the design of a weapon used in connection with the practice of a system of self-defense such as karate. (Cal. Penal Code § 16940)
Statutes defining or using this term
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.