Last amended April 1, 1984 · Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 285 lets the jury communicate with the court by making its wish known to the officer in charge, then in open court through the presiding juror, verbally or in writing.
Full Text of Rule 285
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The jury may communicate with the court by making their wish known to the officer in charge, who shall inform the court, and they may then in open court, and through their presiding juror, communicate with the court, either verbally or in writing. If the communication is to request further instructions, Rule 286 shall be followed.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 285 channels jury communications. The jury makes its wish known to the officer in charge, who informs the court; the jury may then communicate with the court in open court, through its presiding juror, either verbally or in writing. If the communication is a request for further instructions, the procedure of Rule 286 applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Texas jury ask the judge a question?
Under Rule 285, the jury tells the officer in charge, who informs the court, and the jury then communicates in open court through its presiding juror, verbally or in writing.
Can a Texas jury send a note directly to the judge?
Not directly. Rule 285 has the jury make its wish known to the officer in charge, who informs the court; the jury then communicates in open court through its presiding juror, verbally or in writing.
What rule applies when a Texas jury asks for more instructions?
Rule 286. Rule 285 provides that if the jury's communication is a request for further instructions, the procedure set out in Rule 286 governs.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 285), 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:jury may communicate with courtjury notecommunication with the courtTRCP 285