Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
The procedural rules governing civil litigation in Texas state courts. Promulgated by the Texas Supreme Court, the TRCP cover pleadings, motions, discovery, trial procedure, and post-trial remedies. Distinct from the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which govern federal-court practice.
The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (TRCP) are the procedural rules governing civil litigation in Texas state courts. Promulgated by the Texas Supreme Court under statutory authority, the TRCP cover pleadings, motions, discovery, trial procedure, and post-trial remedies. The TRCP are distinct from the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP), which govern federal-court practice and are sometimes used as persuasive authority in Texas state courts.
Structure
The TRCP are organized topically: pleadings (Rules 45–98), parties (Rules 28–44), pretrial procedure (Rules 166–175), evidence and discovery (Rules 176–215), the jury (Rules 216–236), and trial of causes, including judgments and new trials (Rules 237–330). Part III (Rules 352–360) governs the Business Court. Appeals are governed by the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure. Specialized rules govern injunctions and temporary restraining orders (Rules 680–693a), eminent domain, and other categories.
Relationship to other authorities
TRCP procedures must be read alongside (1) the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code (statutory framework for many causes of action and procedures); (2) the Texas Government Code (court structure, judicial qualifications); (3) local rules of individual judicial districts; and (4) Texas Business Court Rules for business-court matters.
Recent developments
The Texas Supreme Court adopted Part III of the TRCP (Rules 352–360) for the Business Court in 2024. HB 40 (eff. Sept. 1, 2025) directs the court to adopt rules for the prompt and final determination of Business Court jurisdiction, which may allow, require, or prohibit interlocutory appeals. Tex. Gov't Code § 25A.0041. Rule 166a on summary judgment was rewritten in 2026 to implement Government Code section 23.303.
The TRCP are foundational to all Texas state-court litigation. Frequently invoked rules include those on pleadings and early dismissal (Rules 47, 91a, 92), discovery (Rules 190–215), and summary judgment (Rule 166a). Procedures that differ from federal practice include the general denial (Rule 92), the no-evidence summary judgment motion (Rule 166a), and the three discovery-control levels (Rule 190).
Practice guide: How Long a Business Lawsuit Takes in Texas