Rule 2.Scope of Rules

Last amended September 1, 2024 · Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 2 sets where the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure apply: they govern civil cases in the state’s justice, county, district, and business courts, except where another rule or law provides otherwise.

Full Text of Rule 2

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These rules govern the procedure in the justice, county, district, and business courts of the State of Texas in all actions of a civil nature, with such exceptions as may be hereinafter stated.

End

Notes and Comments

Comment to 2024 change: Rule 2 is revised to modernize the rule and clarify that the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure govern the procedures in the business court.

Plain-English Summary

Rule 2 marks the boundaries of the rulebook. The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure control how civil cases proceed in four kinds of trial courts — justice, county, district, and business courts — unless a stated exception applies.

A 2024 amendment added the business courts to that list when Texas stood up its specialized business court, confirming that these general rules apply there alongside the business-court rules in Part III. The rule reaches civil matters only; it does not govern criminal cases, and particular proceedings can be carved out by other rules or statutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which courts do the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure apply to?

Justice, county, district, and business courts, in civil cases. A 2024 amendment added the business courts.

Do these rules apply in the Texas Business Court?

Yes. Rule 2 was revised in 2024 to make clear the general civil rules apply in the business court, along with the business-court rules in Part III.

Do the rules cover criminal cases?

No. Rule 2 limits the rules to actions of a civil nature. Criminal matters follow separate rules of procedure.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 2), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov). Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: scope of rulesscope of the Texas ruleswhich courts do the rules apply tobusiness courtscivil actionsTRCP 2