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California legal term

shuriken in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “shuriken” 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 “shuriken” mean in California criminal law?

“shuriken” means any instrument, without handles, consisting of a metal plate having three or more radiating points with one or more sharp edges and designed in the shape of a polygon, trefoil, cross, star, diamond, or other geometric shape, for use as a weapon for throwing. (Cal. Penal Code § 17200)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.