Rule 19.Non-Adjournment of Term
Last amended December 31, 1943 · Last verified June 28, 2026
Full Text of Rule 19
Plain-English Summary
Rule 19 removes any need to formally open court. Every term commences and convenes by operation of law at the time the statute fixes, without any act, order, or opening by a judge or other official.
Once it begins, the term stays open at all times through its last day, unless the judge adjourns it earlier. The rule reflects Texas's continuous-term system, so business does not wait on a ceremonial opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Texas court term have to be formally opened?
No. Under Rule 19 the term begins by operation of law at the statutory time, with no formal opening act, and stays open through the last day unless adjourned sooner.
Who can end a term of court before its last scheduled day?
Only the judge. Rule 19 keeps a term open through its last day by default, but the judge may adjourn it sooner.
Why does Rule 19 have terms commence automatically rather than through a formal opening?
So court business is not interrupted while officials wait to declare the term open. Because the term commences and convenes by operation of law at the statutory time, matters can proceed the moment that time arrives.