California legal term
physical force in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “physical force” 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 “physical force” mean in California criminal law?
“physical force” includes, but is not limited to, use of one’s person, individually or in concert with others, to impede access to, or movement within, or otherwise to obstruct the students and teachers of the classes to which the premises are devoted. (Cal. Penal Code § 602.10)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.