Rule 225.Summoning Talesman

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 225 lets the court summon additional qualified people — talesmen — to complete the panel when fewer than the required number of names are drawn from the box.

Full Text of Rule 225

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When there are not as many as twenty-four names drawn from the box, if in the district court, or as many as twelve, if in the county court, the court shall direct the sheriff or clerk to summon such number of qualified persons as the court deems necessary to complete the panel. The names of those thus summoned shall be placed in the box and drawn and entered upon the slips as provided in the preceding rules.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 225 fills out a short panel. When fewer than 24 names are drawn in district court, or fewer than 12 in county court, the court directs the sheriff or clerk to summon enough additional qualified persons — talesmen — to complete the panel. Their names go into the box and are drawn and listed like the others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a talesman in Texas jury selection?

A talesman is an additional qualified person summoned under Rule 225 to complete a jury panel when too few jurors were drawn from the box.

How does the court get more jurors when the panel comes up short?

Under Rule 225, the court directs the sheriff or clerk to summon enough qualified people to complete the panel — up to 24 in district court or 12 in county court.

Do talesmen go through the same drawing process as the original panel?

Yes. Rule 225 has their names placed in the box with the others and drawn and listed the same way the original panel was.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 225), 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: talesmantalesmencompleting the jury panelTRCP 225