California legal term
Youth in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Youth” 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 “Youth” mean in California criminal law?
“Youth” means any person detained in a juvenile facility. (Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 224.70)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.