California legal term
Qualified mental health expert in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Qualified mental health expert” 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 “Qualified mental health expert” mean in California criminal law?
“Qualified mental health expert” includes, but is not limited to, a psychiatrist, psychologist, a person described in Section 5751.2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or a person whose knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education qualifies them as an expert. (Cal. Penal Code § 1001.36)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.