Rule 312.On Appeal from Justice Court
Last verified June 28, 2026
Full Text of Rule 312
Plain-English Summary
Rule 312 places enforcement of a justice-court appeal in the court that heard it. A judgment on appeal or certiorari from a justice court is enforced by the county or district court rendering the judgment. Unlike a probate appeal under Rule 311, which goes back down to the county court, the higher court here enforces its own judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who enforces a judgment on appeal from a justice court in Texas?
Under Rule 312, the county or district court that rendered the judgment enforces it.
Does a justice-court appeal judgment go back down to the justice court for enforcement?
No. Rule 312 keeps enforcement with the county or district court that rendered the judgment on appeal — unlike a probate appeal under Rule 311, the case does not return to the lower court.
Does Rule 312 cover a judgment reached by certiorari as well as by appeal?
Yes. Rule 312 applies to a judgment reached on appeal or on certiorari from a justice court, and the county or district court that rendered either kind of judgment enforces it.