Which Penal Code section defines petty theft?

Petty theft is specifically defined in Penal Code section 484, which outlines the parameters of theft in general. This section states that theft occurs when a person unlawfully takes someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. Petty theft is usually categorized when the value of the stolen property does not exceed a certain amount, which varies by jurisdiction. This is crucial in understanding the classification of theft offenses.

The other sections mentioned do not pertain to the definition of petty theft: P.C. § 240 addresses battery, P.C. § 496 pertains to the possession of stolen property, and P.C. § 422 relates to criminal threats. Each of these sections covers different aspects of criminal law, making P.C. § 484 the correct reference for the definition of petty theft.