In one sentenceRule 503.6 governs the trial setting — the judge calls the day's cases, may postpone or dismiss if the plaintiff fails to appear, and may postpone or hear the case if the defendant fails to appear.
(a)Docket Called. On the day of the trial setting, the judge must call all of the cases set for trial that day.
(b)If Plaintiff Fails to Appear. If the plaintiff fails to appear when the case is called for trial, the judge may postpone or dismiss the suit.
(c)If Defendant Fails to Appear. If the defendant fails to appear when the case is called for trial, the judge may postpone the case, or may proceed to take evidence. If the plaintiff proves its case, judgment must be awarded for the relief proven. If the plaintiff fails to prove its case, judgment must be rendered against the plaintiff.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 503.6 covers trial day. On the day of the setting, the judge calls all cases set for trial that day. If the plaintiff fails to appear, the judge may postpone the case or dismiss it. If the defendant fails to appear, the judge may postpone the case or proceed to hear the plaintiff's evidence and render judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a party doesn't show up for a justice court trial in Texas?
Under Rule 503.6, if the plaintiff fails to appear the judge may postpone or dismiss; if the defendant fails to appear the judge may postpone or hear the case and render judgment.
What happens on the day of a Texas justice court trial?
Rule 503.6 has the judge call every case set for trial that day before proceeding.
Can a defendant lose a Texas justice court case just because they didn't show up?
Not automatically. Rule 503.6 lets the judge hear the plaintiff's evidence when the defendant fails to appear, and judgment goes against the plaintiff if the plaintiff fails to prove the case.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 503.6), 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:trial justice courtfailure to appear at trialdismiss for want of prosecutionTRCP 503.6