California legal term
video game in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “video game” 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 “video game” mean in California criminal law?
“video game” means any electronic amusement device that utilizes a computer, microprocessor, or similar electronic circuitry and its own cathode ray tube, or is designed to be used with a television set or a monitor, that interacts with the user of the device. (Cal. Penal Code § 308.5)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.