Rule 656.Execution Docket

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 656 requires the clerk of each court to keep an execution docket recording every execution issued — the parties, the amount, the issuance and return dates, and the officer's actions.

Full Text of Rule 656

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The clerk of each court shall keep an execution docket in which he shall enter a statement of all executions as they are issued by him, specifying the names of the parties, the amount of the judgment, the amount due thereon, the rate of interest when it exceeds six per cent, the costs, the date of issuing the execution, to whom delivered, and the return of the officer thereon, with the date of such return. Such docket entries shall be taken and deemed to be a record. The clerk shall keep an index and cross-index to the execution docket. When execution is in favor or against several persons, it shall be indexed in the name of each person. Any clerk who shall fail to keep said execution docket and index thereto, or shall neglect to make the entries therein, shall be liable upon his official bond to any person injured for the amount of damages sustained by such neglect.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 656 sets the clerk's record. The clerk of each court keeps an execution docket, entering a statement of all executions as they are issued — the parties, the amount of the judgment and costs, the dates of issuance and return, and the officer's return — so the history of enforcement is preserved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an execution docket in Texas?

The clerk's record of all executions issued, with the parties, amounts, and dates (Rule 656).

What happens if a clerk fails to keep the execution docket in Texas?

Rule 656 makes the clerk liable on the official bond to anyone injured by the neglect, for the resulting damages.

Does the execution docket need to be indexed in Texas?

Yes. Rule 656 requires an index and cross-index, entered in the name of each party when an execution runs for or against more than one person.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 656), 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: execution docketTRCP 656clerk execution recordexecution docket indexclerk liable execution docket bond