{"data":{"id":"us-tx/tex.-penal-code-2.03","jurisdiction":"us-tx","citation":"Tex. Penal Code § 2.03","heading":"DEFENSE.","body":"(a) A defense to prosecution for an offense in this code is so labeled by the phrase: \"It is a defense to prosecution . . . .\"\n(b) The prosecuting attorney is not required to negate the existence of a defense in the accusation charging commission of the offense.\n(c) The issue of the existence of a defense is not submitted to the jury unless evidence is admitted supporting the defense.\n(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.\n(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.\nActs 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.","path":["PENAL CODE","TITLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS","CHAPTER 2. BURDEN OF PROOF"],"source_url":"https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.2.htm#2.03","current_through":"89th 2nd Called Legislative Session, 2025","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T01:47:34Z","sha256":"ca1d52d954f9ea9bb84217cf2fac866eeab6613b9d9d374127a262a55410afd3","source_id":"us-tx","stale":false,"prev":"us-tx/tex.-penal-code-2.02","next":"us-tx/tex.-penal-code-2.04"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}