§ 73 Bribing For Public Office

Penal Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says you can't give or promise gifts or money to someone so they get a government job or let someone else do that job.

Key Takeaways

•You can't bribe someone to get a government job.
•Even offering a gift or money for a job is against the law.
•This applies to any public office, like police, teachers, or city workers.

Example

If you give a mayor $1,000 to hire your friend as a police officer, you're breaking this law.

Giving money to get someone a government job is illegal, even if you think it's just helping a friend.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 73 Bribing For Public Office

PENAL CODE - PEN PART 1. OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS [25 - 680.4] ( Part 1 enacted 1872. ) TITLE 5. OF CRIMES BY AND AGAINST THE EXECUTIVE POWER OF THE STATE [67 - 77] ( Title 5 enacted 1872. ) 73. Every person who gives or offers any gratuity or reward, in consideration that he or any other person shall be appointed to any public office, or shall be permitted to exercise or discharge the duties thereof, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Enacted 1872.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

gratuity or reward public office misdemeanor

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Penal Code. Section 73.

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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