California · Penal Code
PEN §20: In every crime or public offense there must exist a union, or joint operation of act and intent, or criminal negligence.
What this law says, in plain English
This statute establishes a legal principle that every crime requires either intentional conduct, a guilty mental state, or criminal negligence—defining an essential element of criminal liability rather than creating a specific offense.
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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.