Most people know that it is against the law to punch or otherwise assault someone, but did you know that the Texas mutual combat law allows in certain situations for two parties to fight and injure one another without legal consequences to a certain degree?

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The law behind certain mutual combat being allowed is Texas penal code 22.06. The law states that a party charged with assault can argue that the alleged victim consented to the fight. This defense will typically apply in the following circumstances.

  1. The fight did not result in serious bodily injury.
  2. The alleged victim was aware of the risk but consented.
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It's All About Consent

The law hinges on the concept of consent, much like in combat sports or professional wrestling. If two people agree to fight, it’s not technically considered assault. Of course, there are limits. If someone pulls out a knife, or a gun, or causes serious injury, that’s a different story. Additionally, law enforcement still has discretion. So a brawl in the middle of Main Street will likely be shut down, even if it’s technically legal.

What Constitutes Consent?

Consent does not have to be overtly verbal. All that is required under the law is that you had a reasonable belief that consent was given. However, you must prove as the defendant that the consent was reached before the incident happened.

So in conclusion, yes, in these circumstances, mutual combat is allowed in the State of Texas.

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