Rule 76.May Inspect Papers
Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 76 lets any attorney inspect, at reasonable times, the papers and records of a suit or matter in which the attorney is interested.
Full Text of Rule 76
Each attorney at law practicing in any court shall be allowed at all reasonable times to inspect the papers and records relating to any suit or other matter in which he may be interested.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 76 gives attorneys access to the file. An attorney practicing in a court may, at all reasonable times, inspect the papers and records relating to any suit or other matter in which the attorney has an interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a lawyer inspect court papers in Texas?
Yes. Rule 76 lets an attorney inspect, at reasonable times, the papers and records in any suit or matter in which the attorney is interested.
What interest qualifies a lawyer to inspect papers under Rule 76?
Rule 76 asks only that the attorney be interested in the suit or matter — wording that does not limit inspection to the attorneys already appearing of record in the case.
Does Rule 76 cover sealed court records too?
No. Rule 76 governs routine inspection of case papers, while Rule 76a sets a separate, stricter process for sealing and unsealing court records.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 76), 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: may inspect papersinspect court recordsaccess to the fileTRCP 76