Family Code · §51.02

Juvenile Justice

Juvenile Justice is covered under §51.02 and tested on the TCOLE peace officer licensing exam.

To prove this offense, the State must establish each of the following elements: Age 10 to under 17 at time of conduct; Or 17–18 if conduct alleged committed before 17; Under 10: not subject to juvenile prosecution.

Elements you must prove

  • Age 10 to under 17 at time of conduct
  • Or 17–18 if conduct alleged committed before 17
  • Under 10: not subject to juvenile prosecution

Practice 1 question on this topic

Time yourself, score your run, review missed questions with statute references — Free Practice Pass cadets get limited access.

Start Free Practice

Worked examples

Worked example 1

Under Tex. Fam. Code §51.02, a 'child' for juvenile-justice purposes is generally a person:

  1. Under 18 always
  2. 10 years of age or older and under 17 years of age, or 17–18 if alleged offense committed before 17 Correct
  3. Under 16
  4. Under 21
Why: Juvenile court jurisdiction starts at age 10 and extends through 17. Persons 17+ are generally treated as adults under criminal law (with limited exceptions for offenses committed when 16 or younger).
Statute: Tex. Fam. Code §51.02(2)

Statutory definitions for this topic

Juvenile (Family Code) Tex. Fam. Code §51.02(2)
A 'child' for juvenile-justice purposes is a person 10 or older but under 17 — or 17 to 18 if the alleged offense was committed before age 17. Persons 17+ are generally treated as adults under Texas criminal law.