California legal term
Stranger in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Stranger” 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 “Stranger” mean in California criminal law?
“Stranger” means a person of casual acquaintance with whom no substantial relationship exists, or an individual with whom a relationship has been established or promoted for the primary purpose of victimization, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 6600 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (Cal. Penal Code § 272)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.