California · Civil Code

CIV §41: A person of unsound mind, of whatever degree, is civilly liable for a wrong done by the person, but is not liable in exemplary damages unless at the time of the act the person was capable of knowing t

What this law says, in plain English

A person with a mental illness is civilly liable for wrongs they commit, but cannot be liable for exemplary damages unless they could understand their actions at the time.

Read the full statutory text

A person of unsound mind, of whatever degree, is civilly liable for a wrong done by the person, but is not liable in exemplary damages unless at the time of the act the person was capable of knowing that the act was wrongful.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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