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California legal term

Validate in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

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

“Validate” means using scientifically accepted methods to measure both of the following: (A) The accuracy and reliability of the risk assessment tool in assessing (i) the risk that an assessed person will fail to appear in court as required and (ii) the risk to public safety due to the commission of a new criminal offense if the person is released before the adjudication of the current criminal offense for which they have been charged. (Cal. Penal Code § 1320.35)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.