§ 903 [Criminal Proceeding Defined]

This part of the law explains what counts as a "criminal proceeding" when the term is used elsewhere in California's evidence rules. It covers two situations.

The first is a regular criminal case, meaning any court action where someone is charged with a crime. The second is a special type of case where the government tries to remove a public official from office. This second type happens when an official is accused of serious misconduct, like abusing their power or acting corruptly while in office.

Knowing this definition matters because certain evidence rules only apply in criminal proceedings. If a case fits either of these two categories, those specific rules will apply to it.