§ Rule 737.6. Docketing and Trial; Failure to Appear; Continuance

Codes > Texas Rules of Civil Procedure > Part VII > Section 2 > Rule 737.6.

Rule 737.6. Docketing and Trial; Failure to Appear; Continuance

(a) Docketing and Trial. The case shall be docketed and tried as other cases. The justice may develop the facts of the case in order to ensure justice.

(b) Failure to Appear.

(1) If the tenant appears at trial and the landlord has been duly served and fails to appear at trial, the justice may proceed to hear evidence. If the tenant establishes that the tenant is entitled to recover, the justice shall render judgment against the landlord in accordance with the evidence.

(2) If the tenant fails to appear for trial, the justice may dismiss the suit.

(c) Continuance. The justice may continue the trial for good cause shown. Continuances should be limited, and the case should be reset for trial on an expedited basis.