{"code":"PEN","codeName":"Penal Code","section":"158","citation":"Pen. Code, § 158","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"PART 1. OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS [25. - 680.4.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1"},{"name":"TITLE 7. OF CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC JUSTICE [92. - 186.36.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1/title-7"},{"name":"CHAPTER 7. Other Offenses Against Public Justice [142. - 181.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1/title-7/chapter-7"}],"history":"Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1092, Sec. 246.   Effective September 27, 1983.   Operative January 1, 1984, by Sec. 427 of Ch. 1092.","effective":"1983-09-27","html":"<p>Common barratry is the practice of exciting groundless judicial proceedings, and is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months and by fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).</p>","text":"Common barratry is the practice of exciting groundless judicial proceedings, and is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months and by fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/other-offenses-against-public-justice-158","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}