California legal term
substantial legal question in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “substantial legal question” 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 “substantial legal question” mean in California criminal law?
“substantial legal question” means a close question, one of more substance than would be necessary to a finding that it was not frivolous. (Cal. Penal Code § 1272.1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.