Texas § PR.24.004 - JURISDICTION

Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § PR.24.004 — JURISDICTION, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ PR.24.004. JURISDICTION

JURISDICTION; DISMISSAL. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a justice court in the precinct in which the real property is located has jurisdiction in an eviction suit. Eviction suits include forcible entry and detainer and forcible detainer suits. A justice court has jurisdiction to issue a writ of possession under this chapter. (b) A justice court does not have jurisdiction in a forcible entry and detainer or forcible detainer suit and shall dismiss the suit if the defendant files a sworn statement alleging the suit is based on a deed executed in violation of Chapter 21A , Business & Commerce Code. (c) A justice court in which a petition is filed under Section 24.00505 must adjudicate the right to actual possession of the premises. The justice court may not adjudicate title to the premises. Counterclaims and the joinder of suits against third parties are not permitted in eviction suits. This subsection does not preclude a claim that may not be asserted under this subsection from being brought in a separate suit in a court of proper jurisdiction. Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 3515, ch. 576, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1984. Amended by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 891, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 26, 1985; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1205, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 958 (H.B. 1111 ), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2012. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1242 (S.B. 1320 ), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093 ), Sec. 22.002(28), eff. September 1, 2013. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 960 (S.B. 38 ), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § PR.24.004

What does The Texas Constitution § PR.24.004 cover?

Section PR.24.004 ("JURISDICTION") 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 § PR.24.004?

A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § PR.24.004" (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 § PR.24.004 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.