Texas § FA.51.17 - PROCEDURE AND EVIDENCE

Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § FA.51.17 — PROCEDURE AND EVIDENCE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ FA.51.17. PROCEDURE AND EVIDENCE

PROCEDURE AND EVIDENCE. (a) Except as provided by Section 56.01 (b-1) and except for the burden of proof to be borne by the state in adjudicating a child to be delinquent or in need of supervision under Section 54.03 (f) or otherwise when in conflict with a provision of this title, the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure govern proceedings under this title. (b) Discovery in a proceeding under this title is governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure and by case decisions in criminal cases. (c) Except as otherwise provided by this title, the Texas Rules of Evidence applicable to criminal cases and Articles 33.03 and 37.07 and Chapter 38 , Code of Criminal Procedure, apply in a judicial proceeding under this title. (d) When on the motion for appointment of an interpreter by a party or on the motion of the juvenile court, in any proceeding under this title, the court determines that the child, the child's parent or guardian, or a witness does not understand and speak English, an interpreter must be sworn to interpret for the person as provided by Article 38.30 , Code of Criminal Procedure. (e) In any proceeding under this title, if a party notifies the court that the child, the child's parent or guardian, or a witness is deaf, the court shall appoint a qualified interpreter to interpret the proceedings in any language, including sign language, that the deaf person can understand, as provided by Article 38.31 , Code of Criminal Procedure. (f) Any requirement under this title that a document contain a person's signature, including the signature of a judge or a clerk of the court, is satisfied if the document contains the signature of the person as captured on an electronic device or as a digital signature. Article 2.26 , Code of Criminal Procedure, applies in a proceeding held under this title. (g) Articles 21.07 , 26.07 , 26.08 , 26.09 , and 26.10 , Code of Criminal Procedure, relating to the name of an adult defendant in a criminal case, apply to a child in a proceeding held under this title. (h) Articles 58.001 , 58.101 , 58.102 , 58.103 , 58.104 , 58.105 , and 58.106 , Code of Criminal Procedure, relating to the use of a pseudonym by a victim in a criminal case, apply in a proceeding held under this title. (i) Except as provided by Section 56.03 (f), the state is not required to pay any cost or fee otherwise imposed for court proceedings in either the trial or appellate courts. Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 1460, ch. 544, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1973. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 262, Sec. 14, eff. Jan. 1, 1996; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1477, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 283, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 949 (H.B. 1575 ), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2005. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 908 (H.B. 2884 ), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 642 (H.B. 1688 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1299 (H.B. 2862 ), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2013. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 469 (H.B. 4173 ), Sec. 2.31, eff. January 1, 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § FA.51.17

What does The Texas Constitution § FA.51.17 cover?

Section FA.51.17 ("PROCEDURE AND EVIDENCE") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Texas § FA.51.17?

A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § FA.51.17" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Texas law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.

How does Texas § FA.51.17 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.