California legal term
writing pen knife in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “writing pen knife” 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 “writing pen knife” mean in California criminal law?
“writing pen knife” means a device that appears to be a writing pen but has concealed within it a pointed, metallic shaft that is designed to be a stabbing instrument which is exposed by mechanical action or gravity which locks into place when extended or the pointed, metallic shaft is exposed by the removal of the cap or cover on the device. (Cal. Penal Code § 17350)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.