California legal term
Unauthorized advertisement in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Unauthorized advertisement” 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 “Unauthorized advertisement” mean in California criminal law?
“Unauthorized advertisement” means any form of representation or communication, including any handbill, newsletter, pamphlet, or notice that contains any letters, words, or pictorial representation that is attached to or inserted in a newspaper without a contractual agreement between the publisher and an advertiser. (Cal. Penal Code § 538c)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.