California legal term
public official in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “public official” 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 “public official” mean in California criminal law?
“public official” means a person employed by a governmental agency who has the authority, as part of that position, to incarcerate, arrest, or deport another. (Cal. Penal Code § 261)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.