California legal term
Totality of the circumstances in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Totality of the circumstances” 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 “Totality of the circumstances” mean in California criminal law?
“Totality of the circumstances” means all facts known to the peace officer at the time, including the conduct of the officer and the subject leading up to the use of deadly force. (Cal. Penal Code § 835a)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.