California · Penal Code

PEN §1127e: The term “unchaste character” shall not be used by any court in any criminal case in which the defendant is charged with a violation of Section 261 or 261.

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

Courts cannot use the term 'unchaste character' in jury instructions for sexual assault cases under specified statutes.

Read the full statutory text
The term “unchaste character” shall not be used by any court in any criminal case in which the defendant is charged with a violation of Section 261 or 261.5, or former Section 262, or attempt to commit or assault with intent to commit any crime defined in any of these sections, in any instruction to the jury.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.