California legal term
responsible adult in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “responsible adult” 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 “responsible adult” mean in California criminal law?
“responsible adult” means a person at least 21 years of age who is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm. (Cal. Penal Code § 17070)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.