What documents are sufficient to authorize confinement following commitment proceedings under Articles 45.046/45A.261?

• A. A certified copy of the judgment, sentence, and order.
• B. A certified copy of the docket.
• C. A sworn confession.
• D. A photocopy of public records.

Answer: (A)

Confinement after commitment proceedings is authorized by the court’s final order. A certified copy of the judgment, sentence, and order is the official document that embodies the court’s decision to confine and directs the confinement. It provides authenticated proof of the authority to detain.

A docket is only a record of proceedings and does not contain the actual order to confine. A sworn confession, even if relevant to the case, does not independently authorize confinement by court order. A photocopy of public records is not a certified, enforceable order.

Thus, the certified copy of the judgment, sentence, and order is the proper document to authorize confinement.