Glossary of Terms
Family Place, Dallas
Dear Bronwyn, Thank you so much for coming to Dallas to provide training. Your presentation was very well received and extremely informative. We hope to host you again sometime in the future. I will look forward to our paths crossing agaain sometime soon. Thanks again!
False imprisonment
The unlawful detainment of another person. This happens when one person deprives another of freedom of movement by holding that person in a confined space or by physical restraint. Examples include being locked in a car without opportunity to get out, being tied to a chair, or being locked in a closet.
Family Violence
The Texas Family Code (Sec. 71.004) defines "family violence" as:
--any act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household
--that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault or
--that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault....
Family violence also includes abuse by a member of a family or household toward a child of the family or household.
Actions taken to protect yourself or your children are not family violence if the court believes they are self-defense.
Under TX law, family violence also includes "dating violence." Dating violence is is defined in the Texas Family Code (Section 71.0021) as:
-- any act by an individual that is against another individual with whom that person has or has had a dating relationship and
--that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault
--or that is a threat that reasonably places the individual in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault.
"Dating relationship” means:
--a relationship between individuals who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.
To determine if a dating relationship exists, the judge will consider:
1. the length of the relationship;
2. the nature of the relationship; and
3. the frequency and type of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
Felony
A serious criminal offense such as murder, for which the sentence can include imprisonment for more than a year.
Frivolous
A pleading or claim is frivolous if no rational or reasonable arguments can be made to support the claim, and its purpose was to delay the court or embarass the opponent.
