California · Penal Code

PEN §602.12: (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 guil

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

A person who enters a residential property of an academic researcher to interfere with or prevent their research is guilty of trespass, a misdemeanor. The statute excludes lawful labor union activities.

Read the full statutory text
(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.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

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.