§ 1 Penal Code Structure

Penal Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law is called The Penal Code of California. It lists all the crimes, punishments, and rules about how police and courts handle crimes in California.

Key Takeaways

•This law is the main rulebook for crimes in California.
•It covers what crimes are, how they are punished, and how police and courts work.
•It’s split into four big parts: crimes and punishments, court rules, prisons and jails, and stopping crimes.

Example

If someone steals a bike in California

The Penal Code explains what counts as stealing, what the punishment could be, and how the police and courts will handle the case.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 1 Penal Code Structure

PENAL CODE - PEN TITLE OF THE ACT ( Heading enacted 1872. ) 1. This Act shall be known as The Penal Code of California, and is divided into four parts, as follows: I.—OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS. II.—OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE. III.—OF THE STATE PRISON AND COUNTY JAILS. IV.—OF PREVENTION OF CRIMES AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS. (Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 367, Sec. 1.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

Penal Code of California OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE OF THE STATE PRISON AND COUNTY JAILS OF PREVENTION OF CRIMES AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Penal Code. Section 1.

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Example

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References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References