Definitions of terms in California Penal Codes
(2012 revision)

Ballistic Knife (16220)

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As used in this part, "ballistic knife" means a device that propels a knifelike blade as a projectile by means of a coil spring, elastic material, or compressed gas. Ballistic knife does not include any device that propels an arrow or a bolt by means of any common bow, compound bow, crossbow, or underwater speargun.

Shuriken (17200)

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As used in this part, a "shuriken" means any instrument, without handles, consisting of a metal plate having three or more radiating points with one or more sharp edges and designed in the shape of a polygon, trefoil, cross, star, diamond, or other geometric shape, for use as a weapon for throwing.

Belt Buckle Knife (16260)

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As used in this part, "belt buckle knife" is a knife that is made an integral part of a belt buckle and consists of a blade with a length of at least two and one-half inches.

Lipstick Case Knife (16830)

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As used in this part, a "lipstick case knife" means a knife enclosed within and made an integral part of a lipstick case.

Cane Sword (16340)

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As used in this part, "cane sword" means a cane, swagger stick, stick, staff, rod, pole, umbrella, or similar device, having concealed within it a blade that may be used as a sword or stiletto.

Shobi-Zue 17160

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As used in this part, a "shobi-zue" means a staff, crutch, stick, rod, or pole concealing a knife or blade within it, which may be exposed by a flip of the wrist or by a mechanical action.

Air Gauge Knife (16140)

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As used in this part, "air gauge knife" means a device that appears to be an air gauge 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.

Writing Pen Knife (17350)

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As used in this part, "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.

Dirk Or Dagger (16470)

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As used in this part, "dirk" or "dagger" means a knife or other instrument with or without a handguard that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury or death. A nonlocking folding knife, a folding knife that is not prohibited by Section 21510, or a pocketknife is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury or death only if the blade of the knife is exposed and locked into position.

20200

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A knife carried in a sheath that is worn openly suspended from the waist of the wearer is not concealed within the meaning of Section 16140, 16340, 17350, or 21310

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State Or Local Public Building

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(c) As used in this section, "state or local public building" means a building that meets all of the following criteria:
   (1) It is a building or part of a building owned or leased by the state or local government, if state or local public employees are regularly present for the purposes of performing their official duties. A state or local public building includes, but is not limited to, a building that contains a courtroom.
   (2) It is not a building or facility, or a part thereof, that is referred to in Section 171c, 171d, 626.9, 626.95, or 626.10 of this code, or in Section 18544 of the Elections Code.
   (3) It is a building not regularly used, and not intended to be used, by state or local employees as a place of residence.

Related Information:

• California Penal Code

Last updated - 05/19/19