Rule 500.5.Judge to Develop the Case
Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 500.5 lets the justice-court judge take an active role — questioning a witness or party and summoning any person to testify when the judge considers it necessary to reach a correct judgment.
Full Text of Rule 500.5
A judge may question a witness or party and may summon any person or party to appear as a witness when the judge considers it necessary to ensure a correct judgment and a speedy disposition.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 500.5 gives the judge an active role suited to self-represented parties. The judge may question a witness or party and may summon any person to appear as a witness whenever the judge considers it necessary to develop the facts and reach a correct judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a justice of the peace question witnesses directly?
Yes. Rule 500.5 lets the judge question witnesses and parties and summon witnesses to develop the case.
Can a justice court judge call a witness neither side asked for?
Yes. Rule 500.5 lets the judge summon any person to appear and testify whenever the judge considers it necessary to the case.
Why does a justice court judge take an active role in a trial?
Rule 500.5 gives the judge that role to reach a correct judgment and move the case toward a prompt resolution — a purpose suited to courts where many parties represent themselves.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.5), 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: judge to develop the casejudge question witnessjudge summons witnessactive judge in justice courtTRCP 500.5