Jury Charge Error In Texas

Harm resulting from charge error is analyzed using the standard provided in Almanza v. State. See Almanza v. State, 686 S.W.2d 157 (Tex. Crim. App.1985) (op. on reh'g). If the error was objected to at trial then reversal is required if the error is "calculated to injure the rights of defendant," which means no more than that there must be some harm to the accused from the error. See Almanza, 686 S.W.2d at 171. An error which has been properly preserved by objection requires reversal unless the error is harmless. Id. "Harm must be assayed in light of the entire jury charge, the state of the evidence, including the contested issues and weight of probative evidence, the argument of counsel and any other relevant information revealed by the record of the trial as a whole." Id. The degree of harm resulting from charge error "must be assayed in light of the entire jury charge, the state of the evidence, including the contested issues and weight of probative evidence, the argument of counsel and any other relevant information revealed by the record." Id.