[Insert instructions for underlying offense.]

If you all agree the state has proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, each of the [number] elements listed above, you must next consider whether the defendant is not guilty because his use of force was justified by self-defense.

Self-Defense

A person’s use of deadly force against another that constitutes the crime of [offense] is justified by self-defense when the person reasonably believed the degree of force used was immediately necessary to protect the person against the other’s use [or attempted use] of unlawful deadly force.

Self-defense does not cover conduct in response to verbal provocation alone. The defendant must have reasonably believed the other person had done more than verbally provoke the defendant.

[Include the following if the facts present a question about whether the defendant made an approach to seek an explanation and neither establish that the defendant was illegally armed nor raise a jury issue on that matter. Do not use if the jury could only conclude that the defendant was illegally armed.]

A person has a right to approach another person for the purpose of seeking an explanation from or a discussion with that other person concerning their differences. If the person reasonably fears an unlawful attack from the other, the person has a right to arm himself for purposes of protecting himself from the other person. Such action does not in any other way affect the person’s right to use force in self-defense.

[Include the following if the facts raise a jury issue about whether the defendant approached the complainant to seek a discussion of differences while armed in violation of the Penal Code.]

A person who seeks an explanation from or a discussion with another person concerning differences between them cannot use force in self-defense while either—

1. the person is carrying a weapon in violation of section 46.02 of the Texas Penal Code; or
2. the person is possessing or transporting a weapon in violation of section 46.05 of the Texas Penal Code.

Section 46.02 of the Texas Penal Code prohibits a person from intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carrying on or about the person a handgun or club if the person is neither—

1. on the person’s own premises or premises under the person’s control; nor
2. inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle or watercraft that is owned by the person or under the person’s control.

Section 46.02 of the Texas Penal Code also prohibits a person from intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carrying on or about the person a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft that is owned by the person or under the person’s control if the handgun is in plain view.

[Include if applicable.]

Section 46.02 of the Texas Penal Code does not apply to a person who is carrying—

1. a license to carry a handgun issued under chapter 411, subchapter F of the Texas Government Code, and
2. a handgun that is concealed or that is in a shoulder or belt holster.

[Continue with the following.]

Section 46.05 of the Texas Penal Code prohibits a person from possessing or transporting a [specify weapon].

You must consider whether the state has proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant approached another person for the purpose of seeking an explanation from or a discussion with that other person concerning their differences while in violation of the Penal Code. If the state has proved this, you should find against the defendant on the claim of self-defense.

Burden of Proof

The defendant is not required to prove self-defense. Rather, the state must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that self-defense does not apply to the defendant’s conduct.

Definitions

Reasonable Belief

“Reasonable belief” means a belief that an ordinary and prudent person would have held in the same circumstances as the defendant.

Deadly Force

“Deadly force” means force that is intended or known by the person using it to cause death or serious bodily injury or force that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.

Handgun

“Handgun” means any firearm that is designed, made, or adapted to be fired with one hand.

Application of Law to Facts

To decide the issue of self-defense, you must determine whether the state has proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, one of the following two elements. The elements are that—

1. the defendant did not believe his use of force was immediately necessary to protect himself against [name]’s use [or attempted use] of unlawful deadly force; or
2. the defendant’s belief was not reasonable; or
3. the defendant sought an explanation from or discussion with [name] concerning the defendant’s differences with [name], but the defendant was also carrying, possessing, or transporting a weapon in violation of the Penal Code.

You must all agree that the state has proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, either element 1, 2, or 3 listed above. You need not agree on which of these elements the state has proved.

If you find that the state has failed to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, either element 1, 2, or 3 listed above, you must find the defendant “not guilty.”

If you all agree the state has proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, each of the elements of the offense of [insert specific offense], and you all agree the state has proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, either element 1, 2, or 3 listed above, you must find the defendant “guilty.”

[Insert any other instructions raised by the evidence. Then continue with the verdict form found in CPJC 2.1, the general charge.]