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Rule 229.Challenge for Cause

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 229 fixes when for-cause challenges are made: after the required number of jurors is drawn and the name lists are given to the parties, and a juror struck for cause is erased from the lists.

Full Text of Rule 229

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When twenty-four or more jurors, if in the district court, or twelve or more, if in the county court, are drawn, and the lists of their names delivered to the parties, if either party desires to challenge any juror for cause, the challenge shall then be made. The name of a juror challenged and set aside for cause shall be erased from such lists.
End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 229 sets the timing for for-cause challenges. Once 24 or more jurors are drawn in district court, or 12 or more in county court, and the lists of their names are delivered to the parties, a party that wants to challenge a juror for cause must do so then. The name of a juror challenged and set aside for cause is erased from the lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are for-cause challenges made in a Texas jury trial?

After the jurors are drawn and the name lists are handed to the parties. Under Rule 229, a juror struck for cause is erased from the lists.

How many jurors must be drawn before for-cause challenges begin in Texas?

Rule 229 requires 24 or more jurors drawn in district court, or 12 or more in county court, before the lists go to the parties and for-cause challenges are made.

What happens to a juror's name after a for-cause challenge succeeds?

Under Rule 229, the name of a juror set aside for cause is erased from the lists given to the parties.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 229), 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: challenge for cause timingfor-cause challengestrike for causeTRCP 229