Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

California Code, Penal Code - PEN § 602.12

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

(a) Any person who enters the residential real property of an academic researcher for the purpose of chilling, preventing the exercise of, or interfering with the researcher's academic freedom is guilty of trespass, a misdemeanor.

(b) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Academic researcher” means any person lawfully engaged in academic research who is a student, trainee, employee, or affiliated physician of an accredited California community college, a campus of the California State University or the University of California, or a Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredited, degree granting, nonprofit institution.  Academic research does not include routine, nonlaboratory coursework or assignments.

(2) “Academic freedom” means the lawful performance, dissemination, or publication of academic research or instruction.

(c) This section shall not apply to any person who is lawfully engaged in labor union activities that are protected under state or federal law.

(d) This section shall not preclude prosecution under any other provision of law.

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

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - California Code, Penal Code - PEN § 602.12 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/penal-code/pen-sect-602-12/

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