Rule 282.Jury Kept Together
Last verified June 28, 2026
Full Text of Rule 282
Plain-English Summary
Rule 282 governs the jury during deliberations. The jury may decide a case in court or retire to deliberate. If it retires, it must be kept together in a convenient place, under the charge of an officer, until it agrees on a verdict or is discharged. The court may, in its discretion, permit the jurors to separate temporarily — for the night, at meals, and for other proper purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Texas juries sequestered during deliberations?
They are kept together under an officer's charge until they reach a verdict or are discharged, but Rule 282 lets the court permit temporary separation for the night, meals, and other proper purposes.
Can a Texas jury go home overnight during deliberations?
Only if the court allows it. Rule 282 requires a retired jury to be kept together under an officer's charge, but lets the court permit temporary separation for the night, at meals, and for other proper purposes.
Does a Texas jury have to deliberate outside the courtroom?
Not necessarily. Rule 282 lets the jury decide a case in court or retire to deliberate; only a jury that retires must be kept together under an officer's charge until it reaches a verdict or is discharged.