Rule 53.Special Act or Law
Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 53 lets a pleading that rests on a private or special act recite only its title, its date of approval, and the substance of the pertinent parts.
Full Text of Rule 53
A pleading founded wholly or in part on any private or special act or law of this State or of the Republic of Texas need only recite the title thereof, the date of its approval, and set out in substance so much of such act or laws as may be pertinent to the cause of action or defense.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 53 simplifies pleading a private or special act or law of Texas, or of the Republic of Texas. Instead of setting out the whole enactment, the pleader recites its title, the date it was approved, and the substance of just the portions relevant to the claim or defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you plead a special or private law in Texas?
Under Rule 53, recite the law's title and date of approval, and set out the substance of only the parts pertinent to the cause of action or defense.
Does Rule 53 cover laws of the Republic of Texas?
Yes. Rule 53 applies to a private or special act or law of the State of Texas or of the Republic of Texas.
Do you have to quote the entire statute when pleading under Rule 53?
No. Rule 53 only requires the title, the date of approval, and the substance of the parts pertinent to the claim or defense — not the full text of the act.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 53), 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: special act or lawprivate actpleading a statuteTRCP 53