State Ex Rel. Harris v. PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS, LLP

Opinion

BAXTER, J.

The California False Claims Act (CFCA; Gov. Code, § 12650 et seq.) provides that any “person” who knowingly submits a false claim to the State of California, or to a “political subdivision,” may be liable in a court action for treble damages and civil penalties. (Id., §§ 12651, 12652.) The suit may be brought by the Attorney General where state funds are involved, or by the “prosecuting authority” of a political subdivision where the political subdivision’s funds are involved, subject to intervention and participation by the other official where both state and political…