Under California Penal Code, what do "terroristic threats" involve?

The concept of "terroristic threats" under California Penal Code refers specifically to threats to commit violence with the intent to terrorize another individual or to cause significant panic or fear within a community. This definition encompasses a broad array of threats that can instill serious fear in individuals or groups regarding their safety.

California law identifies that for a statement or action to qualify as a terroristic threat, the individual making the threat must do so with the knowledge that it is likely to be taken seriously. This criterion emphasizes the intent behind the threat and the reasonable perception of fear it generates, which is integral to enforcing laws surrounding such behaviors.

The focus on the intent to cause terror or panic clearly distinguishes these threats from other forms of intimidation or communication. It is also important to note that it is not limited to written threats or those made in public, nor is it confined solely to discussions of property damage. Instead, it encapsulates a wider spectrum of violent threats that are intended to have a profound psychological impact on victims or the community at large.