What is the maximum age of a child that a parent can justifiably use force against, without it being considered deadly force according to the Penal Code?

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In Texas Penal Code, a parent is justified in using force against their child when necessary to discipline them, as long as such force is not considered deadly force. The legal framework outlines that for a parent, the justification to use physical discipline typically extends to children under the age of 18. This means that once a child reaches 18 years of age, they are considered an adult legally, and the threshold for parents to use physical force without it being categorized as deadly force changes significantly. It's essential to understand that the term "deadly force" refers to any force that is intended or likely to cause serious bodily injury or death; thus, the distinction made by the law emphasizes the transition from childhood to adulthood at the age of 18. Therefore, the maximum age of a child that a parent can justifiably use force on without it constituting deadly force is indeed 18 years of age.

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