Tex. R. App. P. 40 — Order of Decision

Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure · Version 2026-02-06 · Status: active · II Appeals from Trial Court Judgments and Orders

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Rule text

40.1. Civil Cases

The court of appeals may determine the order in which civil cases will be decided. But the following types of cases have precedence over all others:

(a) a case given precedence by law;

(b) an accelerated appeal; and

(c) a case that the court determines should be given precedence in the interest of justice.

40.2. Criminal Cases

In cases not otherwise given precedence by law, the court of appeals must hear and determine a criminal appeal at the earliest possible time, having due regard for the parties' rights and for the proper administration of justice.

Reference

See Code of Criminal Procedure article 44.01(f).

Notes and Comments

Comment on 1997 change: The provisions of former Rules 76, 77 and 78 are merged. Civil cases involving the Railroad Commission, the State, and “cases submitted on oral argument for all parties” are no longer given preference unless given preference by law.

Official source