Rule 295.Correction of Verdict

Last amended January 1, 1988 · Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 295 lets the court direct a merely defective verdict to be reformed, but requires written instructions and further deliberation when a verdict is incomplete, unresponsive, or internally conflicting.

Full Text of Rule 295

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If the purported verdict is defective, the court may direct it to be reformed. If it is incomplete, or not responsive to the questions contained in the court's charge, or the answers to the questions are in conflict, the court shall in writing instruct the jury in open court of the nature of the incompleteness, unresponsiveness, or conflict, provide the jury such additional instructions as may be proper, and retire the jury for further deliberations.

End

Notes and Comments

Comment to 1988 change: The amendment makes it clear that the court may direct a complete yet defective verdict to be reformed. The amendment also makes it clear that in the event the verdict is incomplete or otherwise improper, the court is limited to giving the jury additional instructions in writing.

Plain-English Summary

Rule 295 handles a flawed verdict. If the purported verdict is merely defective, the court may direct it to be reformed. But if it is incomplete, not responsive to the charge's questions, or the answers conflict, the court must instruct the jury in writing, in open court, about the nature of the problem, give any proper additional instructions, and retire the jury for further deliberations. The written-instruction requirement is mandatory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a Texas jury's answers conflict?

Under Rule 295, the court must instruct the jury in writing about the conflict, give any proper additional instructions, and send the jury back to deliberate further.

Can a Texas court fix a verdict itself instead of sending the jury back?

Yes, for a verdict that is complete yet flawed. Rule 295 lets the court direct that kind of defective verdict to be reformed without retiring the jury for more deliberation.

Must a Texas court's instructions about a conflicting verdict be in writing?

Yes. When a verdict is incomplete, unresponsive, or conflicting, Rule 295 requires the court's instructions on the problem to be in writing and given in open court, not delivered orally alone.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 295), 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: correction of verdictdefective verdictconflicting answersreform verdictTRCP 295