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California Penal Code

§ 4

PEN § 4
The rule of the common law, that penal statutes are to be strictly construed, has no application to this Code. All its provisions are to be construed according to the fair import of their terms, with a view to effect its objects and to promote justice.

Legislative history

Enacted 1872.

Source: California Penal Code § 4 from the California Legislative Information (public record). DecisionDepot is for informational use only and is not legal advice — verify against the official source before relying on this text.