California § 189 - All murder that is perpetrated by means of a destructive device or explosive, a w
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 189 — All murder that is perpetrated by means of a destructive device or explosive, a w, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 189. All murder that is perpetrated by means of a destructive device or explosive, a w
(a) All murder that is perpetrated by means of a destructive device or explosive, a weapon of mass destruction, knowing use of ammunition designed primarily to penetrate metal or armor, poison, lying in wait, torture, or by any other kind of willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing, or that is committed in the perpetration of, or attempt to perpetrate, arson, rape, carjacking, robbery, burglary, mayhem, kidnapping, train wrecking, or any act punishable under Section 206, 286, 287, 288, or 289, or former Section 288a, or murder that is perpetrated by means of discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle, intentionally at another person outside of the vehicle with the intent to inflict death, is murder of the first degree. (b) All other kinds of murders are of the second degree. (c) As used in this section, the following definitions apply: (1) âDestructive deviceâ has the same meaning as in Section 16460. (2) âExplosiveâ has the same meaning as in Section 12000 of the Health and Safety Code. (3) âWeapon of mass destructionâ means any item defined in Section 11417. (d) To prove the killing was âdeliberate and premeditated,â it is not necessary to prove the defendant maturely and meaningfully reflected upon the gravity of the defendantâs act. (e) A participant in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of a felony listed in subdivision (a) in which a death occurs is liable for murder only if one of the following is proven: (1) The person was the actual killer. (2) The person was not the actual killer, but, with the intent to kill, aided, abetted, counseled, commanded, induced, solicited, requested, or assisted the actual killer in the commission of murder in the first degree. (3) The person was a major participant in the underlying felony and acted with reckless indifference to human life, as described in subdivision (d) of Section 190.2. (f) Subdivision (e) does not apply to a defendant when the victim is a peace officer who was killed while in the course of the peace officerâs duties, where the defendant knew or reasonably should have known that the victim was a peace officer engaged in the performance of the peace officerâs duties.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 189
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 189 cover?
Section 189 ("All murder that is perpetrated by means of a destructive device or explosive, a w") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 189?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 189" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 189 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.