Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

California Code, Government Code - GOV § 11440.40

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) In any proceeding under subdivision (h) or (i) of Section 12940, or Section 19572 or 19702, alleging conduct that constitutes sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual battery, evidence of specific instances of a complainant's sexual conduct with individuals other than the alleged perpetrator is subject to all of the following limitations:

(1) The evidence is not discoverable unless it is to be offered at a hearing to attack the credibility of the complainant as provided for under subdivision (b). This paragraph is intended only to limit the scope of discovery; it is not intended to affect the methods of discovery allowed by statute.

(2) The evidence is not admissible at the hearing unless offered to attack the credibility of the complainant as provided for under subdivision (b). Reputation or opinion evidence regarding the sexual behavior of the complainant is not admissible for any purpose.

(b) Evidence of specific instances of a complainant's sexual conduct with individuals other than the alleged perpetrator is presumed inadmissible absent an offer of proof establishing its relevance and reliability and that its probative value is not substantially outweighed by the probability that its admission will create substantial danger of undue prejudice or confuse the issue.

(c) As used in this section “complainant” means a person claiming to have been subjected to conduct that constitutes sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual battery.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - California Code, Government Code - GOV § 11440.40 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government-code/gov-sect-11440-40/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard