What is the term used for persuading someone to engage in prostitution according to California law?

The term used for persuading someone to engage in prostitution according to California law is pandering. This offense involves enticing, encouraging, or persuading another person to participate in prostitution, often with the intent of providing them to others for sexual services. Pandering can involve various methods, such as manipulation or coercion, and is considered a serious crime. It encompasses both the actions of those who promote prostitution and the exploitation of individuals for commercial sexual purposes.

In contrast, the other terms listed do not relate to the act of persuading or inducing someone into prostitution. Child battery pertains to physical abuse against a minor, pimping involves profiting from another individual's prostitution activities, and lewd act with a child pertains to sexual misconduct involving a minor. Understanding the distinct definitions and applications of these terms is crucial for law enforcement in accurately addressing and prosecuting related offenses.