The 2025 rules represent a complete overhaul of the 2007 rules, with expanded coverage, more detailed provisions, and modernized language. The 2025 version is significantly more comprehensive (10 pages vs 7 pages in 2007).
| Aspect | 2007 Rules | 2025 Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Rule 5.1 focused only on courtroom decorum | Rule 5.1 covers general provisions including definitions, authority, objective, and scope |
| Definitions | No definitions section | Comprehensive definitions for County Courts, District Courts, Criminal Courts, and Local Rules |
| Authority | Not specified in this section | Explicitly states authority under Texas Government Code §74.093, Rule 10 of Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, etc. |
| Aspect | 2007 Rules (Rule 5.1) | 2025 Rules (Rule 5.2) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Rules 5.11-5.13 | Rules 5.21-5.23 |
| Counsel Attire | "Appropriately attired" | "Business attire" |
| Standing | Must rise and remain standing while addressing court | May remain seated except when addressing court/jury or granted leave |
| Objections | Not specified | Must state legal basis for objections |
| Electronic Devices | No devices without prior approval | Counsel/staff may use during hearings they participate in |
| Children | No children without prior approval | No children under 12 without approval |
| Recording | Not explicitly mentioned | Prohibited without prior approval, including live-transcription |
| Vaping | Not mentioned | Explicitly prohibited |
| Political Materials | No overt advertising, campaign buttons | No advertising or political-campaign material |
| Aspect | 2007 Rules | 2025 Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Motions | Not covered | Detailed requirements: 3-day filing, proposed orders, response deadlines |
| Amendments | Not covered | Rules for amended and supplemental documents |
| Aspect | 2007 Rules (Rule 5.5) | 2025 Rules (Rule 5.4) |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal | Written motion required, must appear with defendant | Same, plus automatic replacement provision for appointed counsel |
| Appointment | Governed by Felony Court Appointment Plan | Governed by respective indigent defense plans |
| Vacations | 45 days advance notice | 30 days advance notice, must file in all impacted cases |
| CLE | Included with vacations | Explicitly covered with vacation rules |
| Conflicting Settings | Detailed priority system | Similar but reorganized under Docket Management |
| Aspect | 2007 Rules (Rule 5.2) | 2025 Rules (Rule 5.5) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Specific settings (IAS, CS, EE, etc.) | General docket management principles |
| Case Management | Differentiated Felony Case Management System | References to guidelines of any case-management system |
| Specific Settings | Detailed rules for each type of setting | Removed - courts have more flexibility |
| Conflicting Settings | Not in this section | Comprehensive rules included here |
| Aspect | 2007 Rules | 2025 Rules |
|---|---|---|
| PCJP | Not established | Creates Presiding Criminal Judges Panel |
| Presiding Judges | Not specified | Detailed election process and terms |
| Governance | Not specified | Clear administrative structure |
| Rule | 2007 Version | 2025 Version |
|---|---|---|
| Continuances | Rule 5.3 - Basic requirements | Removed as separate rule (likely covered by statute) |
| Transfer of Cases | Rule 5.4 - Between courts | Removed as separate rule |
| Interpreter Requests | Not covered | Rule 5.45 - 28 days for trial, 14 days for other |
| Effective Date | Temporary approval by Supreme Court | Effective upon publication on OCA website |