California legal term
Serious bodily harm in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Serious bodily harm” 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 “Serious bodily harm” mean in California criminal law?
“Serious bodily harm” includes serious physical injury or serious traumatic condition. (Cal. Penal Code § 76)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.