Episode Details

In California, “harassment” generally means a pattern of conduct directed at a specific person that is knowing and wilful, seriously alarms, annoys, torments, or terrorizes that person, and serves no legitimate purpose. California Penal Code § 646.9 specifically uses this definition in the context of stalking. California Courts+1

California Penal Code § 646.9 — Stalking

Under § 646.9, harassment can be part of stalking when the person also makes a credible threat intended to cause reasonable fear for the victim's safety or the safety of their immediate family. A “course of conduct” generally means two or more acts showing continuity of purpose. Justis Law+1

Other California laws can apply

• Penal Code § 653m: repeated telephone calls or electronic communications made with intent to annoy or harass can constitute a misdemeanour under specified circumstances. California Attorney General
• Penal Code § 422: certain serious threats to kill or cause great bodily injury can constitute a criminal threat when the statutory requirements are met. Justia Law
• Penal Code § 653.2: certain online publication or distribution of someone's personal identifying information with intent to cause fear or unwanted contact can constitute an