California legal term
provocation in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “provocation” 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 “provocation” mean in California criminal law?
“provocation” includes, but is not limited to, situations where a dog held on a leash by its owner or custodian reacts in a protective manner to a person or persons who approach the owner or custodian in a threatening manner. (Cal. Penal Code § 399.5)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.