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Texas statute

Tex. Penal Code § 2.03 — Defense

Current through 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025)

Part of Chapter 2: BURDEN OF PROOF, Texas Penal Code.

Full text of Tex. Penal Code § 2.03

Statutory text current through the 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025). This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Texas.

Tex. Penal Code § 2.03Primary source, current through the 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025)
(a) A defense to prosecution for an offense in this code is so labeled by the phrase: "It is a defense to prosecution . . . ." (b) The prosecuting attorney is not required to negate the existence of a defense in the accusation charging commission of the offense. (c) The issue of the existence of a defense is not submitted to the jury unless evidence is admitted supporting the defense. (d) If the issue of the existence of a defense is submitted to the jury, the court shall charge that a reasonable doubt on the issue requires that the defendant be acquitted. (e) A ground of defense in a penal law that is not plainly labeled in accordance with this chapter has the procedural and evidentiary consequences of a defense.

Official sources

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.