Under Texas law, what acts are considered "sexual assault"?

In Texas law, sexual assault encompasses a range of acts that violate a person's autonomy and consent in a sexual context. The correct answer identifies that sexual assault includes any form of contact that occurs without the consent of the individual. This emphasizes the critical aspect of consent; without clear and affirmative consent, any sexual contact is defined as assault.

The concept of consent is fundamental in establishing the distinction between lawful sexual interactions and those that are criminal. This definition aligns with the legal framework in Texas, which seeks to protect victims from unwanted and non-consensual sexual encounters.

The other responses lack the comprehensive legal basis that defines sexual assault. For instance, while applying force for sexual contact could lead to an assault situation, it does not encompass all scenarios covered by the law, including those that don't involve force but still occur without consent. Similarly, consensual contact does not qualify, as consent negates the legal classification of sexual assault, and non-violent sexual advances are not included within the criminal definition of sexual assault under Texas law.

Understanding the scope of what constitutes sexual assault helps clarify the legal protections available and the rights of individuals in such situations under the Texas Penal Code.