Salazar, Joe Christian
Salazar, Joe Christian
Opinion
The Court holds that a habitation inherently provides notice that entry is forbidden. I agree, but not for all of the reasons relied upon by the Court. Section 30.05 (b)(2)(B) defines "notice" to include an "enclosure obviously designed to exclude intruders." Habitations are enclosures and, by their nature, they are obviously designed to exclude intruders, so I would resolve this case simply by reference to the statutory definition of "notice."
But the Court also relies upon common experience and societal norms to reach its conclusion. We instituted a bright-line rule in Hall, (1) and some day we may need to resort to non-statutory guidance in a manner that erodes that bright line. I just don't think we need to do it here.
With these comments, I concur in the Court's judgment.
Filed: June 3, 2009
Publish 1. 225 S.W.3d 524 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007).
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.