Rule 230.Certain Questions Not to Be Asked
Last verified June 28, 2026
Full Text of Rule 230
Plain-English Summary
Rule 230 protects prospective jurors from a particular line of questioning. In examining a juror, counsel may not ask a question whose answer would show that the juror has been convicted of a disqualifying offense, or stands charged by some legal accusation with theft or any felony. A disqualification on those grounds must be established some other way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ask a Texas juror about a past criminal conviction?
Not directly. Rule 230 bars questions whose answers would reveal a disqualifying conviction or a pending accusation for theft or a felony.
Why does Rule 230 bar a direct question about a disqualifying conviction?
Because the answer itself would reveal the disqualifying fact. Rule 230 requires that a disqualification on those grounds be shown some other way.
Does Rule 230 also cover a juror facing pending charges?
Yes. It bars a question whose answer would show the juror stands charged by legal accusation with theft or any felony, not just a past conviction.