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California legal term

Weapon of mass destruction in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “Weapon of mass destruction” 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 “Weapon of mass destruction” mean in California criminal law?

“Weapon of mass destruction” means any item defined in Section 11417. (Cal. Penal Code § 189)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.