How does the Texas Penal Code define "homicide"?

The Texas Penal Code defines "homicide" as the intentional causing of the death of another individual. This aligns with Section 19.02, which establishes that a person commits the offense of murder if they intentionally or knowingly cause the death of an individual. This definition encompasses actions where the perpetrator has a clear intent to bring about the death of another person, which distinguishes it from lesser forms of unlawful killing or negligent actions.

The focus on intention is critical, as it reflects the underlying principles of culpability in criminal law. It emphasizes the moral blameworthiness of the act, underscoring that the offender consciously chose to engage in behavior that resulted in another person's death.

Other options describe various circumstances surrounding death, but they do not fit the legal definition of homicide as specifically defined in the Penal Code. Accidental deaths or those caused without intent, while serious matters, fall under different categories of unlawful killing, such as manslaughter or negligent homicide, rather than murder or homicide itself. Thus, understanding the precise legal definition is key to navigating charges related to unlawful killings in Texas.