Rule 321.Form

Last amended January 1, 1981 · Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 321 requires each point in a motion for new trial or in arrest of judgment to refer briefly to the specific ruling, jury charge, evidence ruling, or proceeding complained of, so the objection is clearly identified and understood by the court.

Full Text of Rule 321

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Each point relied upon in a motion for new trial or in arrest of judgment shall briefly refer to that part of the ruling of the court, charge given to the jury, or charge refused, admission or rejection of evidence, or other proceedings which are designated to be complained of, in such a way that the objection can be clearly identified and understood by the court.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 321 sets the form of a new-trial complaint. Each point relied on in a motion for new trial or in arrest of judgment must refer briefly to the part of the case it attacks — a ruling of the court, a charge given to the jury, a charge refused, the admission or rejection of evidence, or another proceeding.

The point must be framed so the objection can be clearly identified and understood by the court. The goal is a focused complaint the judge can act on, the opposite of the general objections Rule 322 bars.

Frequently Asked Questions

How specific must a motion for new trial be in Texas?

Under Rule 321, each point must briefly identify the particular ruling, charge, evidence ruling, or proceeding complained of, so the court can clearly understand the objection.

Does Rule 321 apply to a motion in arrest of judgment too?

Yes. Rule 321 covers points relied on in a motion for new trial and in a motion in arrest of judgment alike, requiring each to briefly refer to the specific ruling, charge, evidence question, or proceeding attacked.

What kinds of trial-court actions can a point under Rule 321 target?

A ruling of the court, a charge given to the jury or one refused, the admission or rejection of evidence, or another proceeding — whichever the party complains of — framed so the court can identify and understand the objection.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 321), 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: form of motion for new trialpoints in motion for new trialmotion in arrest of judgmentspecific new trial groundsTRCP 321