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Texas · Through 89th 2nd Called Legislative Session, 2025

Tex. Penal Code § 9.61: PARENT-CHILD.

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Where this section sits in the code
  1. PENAL CODE
  2. TITLE 2. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY
  3. CHAPTER 9. JUSTIFICATION EXCLUDING CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY
  4. SUBCHAPTER F. SPECIAL RELATIONSHIPS

(a) The use of force, but not deadly force, against a child younger than 18 years is justified:

(1) if the actor is the child's parent or stepparent or is acting in loco parentis to the child; and

(2) when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is necessary to discipline the child or to safeguard or promote his welfare.

(b) For purposes of this section, "in loco parentis" includes grandparent and guardian, any person acting by, through, or under the direction of a court with jurisdiction over the child, and anyone who has express or implied consent of the parent or parents.

Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, Sec. 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

Collected 2026-08-27T01:47:34Z. Source file · JSON

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