Unless the provision or context otherwise requires, the definitions in this article govern the construction of this chapter.
Claim and Delivery of Personal PropertyWords and Phrases Defined
Section § 511.010
This section states that, unless stated otherwise, the definitions in this article are used to interpret the entire chapter.
definitions interpretation provision
Section § 511.020
This law section clarifies that the term 'complaint' also covers 'cross-complaints.' So, whenever you see 'complaint,' it means both the original complaint and any counter-complaints filed during the case.
“Complaint” includes a cross-complaint.
complaint cross-complaint legal procedure
Section § 511.030
This law clarifies that whenever the term “defendant” is used, it also refers to a “cross-defendant,” which is someone against whom a claim is made in reaction to the original lawsuit.
“Defendant” includes a cross-defendant.
cross-defendant lawsuit parties legal terms
Section § 511.040
This section defines what is considered "farm products" in the context of farming operations. It includes crops, livestock, and supplies used or produced during farming, as well as products that aren't manufactured, like ginned cotton or milk. These items are in their natural state while the person involved in raising or managing them has possession. Importantly, if something is classified as a farm product, it's not considered inventory.
“Farm products” means crops or livestock or supplies used or produced in farming operations or products of crops or livestock in their unmanufactured states (such as ginned cotton, wool clip, maple syrup, honey, milk, and eggs) while in the possession of a defendant engaged in raising, fattening, grazing, or other farming operations. If tangible personal property is a farm product, it is not inventory.
farm products crops livestock
Section § 511.050
This law explains that 'inventory' is physical stuff that a person has because they plan to sell, lease, or provide it as part of a service contract.
“Inventory” means tangible personal property in the possession of a defendant who holds it for sale or lease or to be furnished under contracts of service.
inventory definition tangible personal property possession
Section § 511.060
This section defines a 'levying officer' as either the sheriff or marshal responsible for carrying out a writ of possession, which is a court order that allows them to take possession of property.
“Levying officer” means the sheriff or marshal who is directed to execute a writ of possession issued under this chapter.
levying officer sheriff marshal
Section § 511.070
This section defines the term "person" broadly, so it can refer not just to individual humans but also to businesses, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and government organizations.
“Person” includes an individual, a corporation, a partnership or other unincorporated association, a limited liability company, and a public entity.
individual corporation partnership
Section § 511.080
This law defines the term “plaintiff” as someone who starts a lawsuit by filing a complaint or cross-complaint.
“Plaintiff” means a person who files a complaint or cross-complaint.
plaintiff definition complaint filer cross-complaint filer
Section § 511.090
This law section explains that a claim is considered to have 'probable validity' if there's a better than 50% chance that the person who filed the lawsuit (the plaintiff) will win against the person being sued (the defendant).
A claim has “probable validity” where it is more likely than not that the plaintiff will obtain a judgment against the defendant on that claim.
probable validity plaintiff defendant
Section § 511.100
This section defines what is considered a 'public entity' in California. It includes the state itself, various governmental bodies like counties, cities, districts, and any other public organizations or political groups within the state.
“Public entity” includes the state, the Regents of the University of California, a county, city, district, public authority, public agency, and any other political subdivision or public corporation in the state.
public entity state Regents of the University of California
