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HomeFood and Agricultural CodeDiv. 9Pt. 1Ch. 2Art. 4§ 16442 Attorney General Civil Penalties

§ 16442 Attorney General Civil Penalties

Food and Agricultural Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 16442 Attorney General Civil Penalties

This law lets the Attorney General sue anyone who breaks the rules, either after a complaint or on his own, to get a civil fine in state court.

Key Takeaways

  • •The AG can act on a complaint from a director or on his own.
  • •He must first examine the complaint and evidence and think a violation occurred.
  • •He can then file a civil penalty lawsuit in any state court, representing the people.

Example

A city health director reports that a restaurant is serving unsafe food. The Attorney General reviews the complaint and evidence, decides a violation happened, and files a lawsuit to fine the restaurant.

Because the AG believes the restaurant broke the health rules, he can bring a civil penalty case in state court on behalf of the people.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 16442 Attorney General Civil Penalties

The Attorney General shall, upon complaint by the director, or may upon his own initiative, if after examination of the complaint and evidence he believes a violation has occurred, bring action for civil penalties in the name of the people of this state in any court of competent jurisdiction in this state against any person violating any provision of this part. (Enacted by Stats. 1967, Ch. 15.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

Attorney Generalcivil penaltiesviolationcomplaint by the director

Related Statutes

  • § 20252 Attorney General Civil Penalties
  • § 11894 Attorney General Civil Penalties
  • § 17952 Attorney General Civil Penalties
  • § 19033 Attorney General Civil Enforcement
  • § 12999 Civil Penalties For Violations

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 16442.
View Official Source