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California legal term

officer in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “officer” 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 “officer” mean in California criminal law?

“officer” includes a “carrier,” as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 14124.70 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, authorized to act as an agent for a state board or officer or a county, city, or district board or officer, as the case may be. (Cal. Penal Code § 72)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.