Rule 55.Judgment
Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 55 lets a party plead a judgment or decision by averring it, without setting out the facts that show the deciding body had jurisdiction.
Full Text of Rule 55
In pleading a judgment or decision of a domestic or foreign court, judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal, or of a board or officer, it shall be sufficient to aver the judgment or decision without setting forth matter showing jurisdiction to render it.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 55 makes pleading a prior judgment easy. To plead a judgment or decision — of a domestic or foreign court, a judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal, or a board or officer — it is enough to aver the judgment or decision itself. The pleader need not allege the facts that show the body had jurisdiction to render it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you plead a prior judgment in Texas?
Under Rule 55, aver the judgment or decision. You need not plead the facts showing the rendering body's jurisdiction.
Does Rule 55 cover judgments from courts outside Texas?
Yes. Rule 55 applies to a judgment or decision of a domestic or foreign court, not just a Texas one.
Does Rule 55 cover a board or officer's decision, not just a court's?
Yes. Rule 55 reaches judgments or decisions of a judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal, and of a board or officer, as well as of a court.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 55), 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: judgmentpleading a judgmentforeign judgmentTRCP 55