Rule 506.3.Trial De Novo
Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 506.3 provides that a justice-court appeal is tried de novo in the county court — a brand-new trial in which the entire case is presented as if there had been no prior trial.
Full Text of Rule 506.3
The case must be tried de novo in the county court. A trial de novo is a new trial in which the entire case is presented as if there had been no previous trial.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 506.3 defines the appeal trial. The case is tried de novo in the county court — a new trial in which the whole case is presented again, as if it had not been tried in the justice court. Nothing from the justice-court trial carries over as a finding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trial de novo on appeal from justice court?
A completely new trial in the county court, presenting the entire case as if there had been no earlier trial (Rule 506.3).
Does the justice court verdict count for anything on appeal?
No. Rule 506.3 has the county court try the entire case again, so nothing from the justice-court trial carries over.
Which court hears a trial de novo from justice court?
The county court. Rule 506.3 sends the appeal there for a new trial of the whole 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. 506.3), 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 de novonew trial on appeal justice courtnew trial county court appealentire case retriedTRCP 506.3