California legal term
sexual sadism in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “sexual sadism” 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 “sexual sadism” mean in California criminal law?
“sexual sadism” means the intentional infliction of pain for purposes of sexual gratification or stimulation. (Cal. Penal Code § 311.11)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.