Rule 236.Oath to Jury

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 236 sets the oath the seated jury takes, swearing to render a true verdict according to the law given by the court and the evidence.

Full Text of Rule 236

Text size

The jury shall be sworn by the court or under its direction, in substance as follows: "You, and each of you, do solemnly swear that in all cases between parties which shall be to you submitted, you will a true verdict render, according to the law, as it may be given you in charge by the court, and to the evidence submitted to you under the rulings of the court. So help you God."

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 236 supplies the oath for the seated jury — distinct from the qualification oath the panel takes before voir dire. The court swears the jurors, in substance, to render a true verdict in the cases submitted to them according to the law as the court charges it and the evidence admitted under the court's rulings. The rule gives the exact words.

Frequently Asked Questions

What oath does a Texas jury take?

Under Rule 236, the seated jury swears to render a true verdict according to the law given by the court and the evidence admitted at trial.

Is the Rule 236 oath the same oath jurors take before voir dire?

No. The qualification oath comes before voir dire; Rule 236 supplies the separate oath given to the jury once it is seated for trial.

Who swears in the jury under Rule 236?

The court, or someone acting under its direction, administers the oath using the words Rule 236 sets out.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 236), 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: oath to juryjury oathverdict oathTRCP 236