Rule 648."Courthouse Door" Defined

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 648 defines the "courthouse door" of a county as either of the principal entrances to the building the proper authority provides for holding the district court.

Full Text of Rule 648

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By the term “courthouse door” of a county is meant either of the principal entrances to the house provided by the proper authority for the holding of the district court. If from any cause there is no such house, the door of the house where the district court was last held in that county shall be deemed to be the courthouse door. Where the courthouse, or house used by the court, has been destroyed by fire or other cause, and another has not been designated by the proper authority, the place where such house stood shall be deemed to be the courthouse door.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 648 gives the term meaning. By the "courthouse door" of a county is meant either of the principal entrances to the house provided by the proper authority for the holding of the district court. The rule also addresses what happens if that place is unavailable, fixing where execution sales occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "courthouse door" for a Texas execution sale?

Either principal entrance to the building provided for holding the district court (Rule 648).

What if the county courthouse has burned down before an execution sale in Texas?

Rule 648 treats the site where the house stood as the courthouse door, if no new site has been designated.

What if the county never had a courthouse in Texas?

Rule 648 treats the door of the house where the district court last held session in that county as the courthouse door.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 648), 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: courthouse door definedTRCP 648courthouse destroyed execution saleprincipal entrance district courtsite of former courthouse door