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Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure · February 6, 2026 edition

Rule 11 — Amicus Curiae Briefs

Read the original court rule and its historical notes. Illustrations, where shown, are educational explanations of the rule.

Original appellate rule text (selectable)

Show or hide full Rule 11 original text
An appellate clerk may receive, but not file, an
amicus curiae brief. But the court for good cause may
refuse to consider the brief and order that it be
returned.  An amicus curiae brief must:
(a) comply with the briefing rules for parties;
(b) identify the person or entity on whose behalf
the brief is tendered;
(c) disclose the source of any fee paid or to be
paid for preparing the brief; and
(d) certify that copies have been served on all
parties.

Historical Notes and Comments — not operative rule text

Show or hide court historical comments for Rule 11
Comment to 1997 change: This is former Rule 20.
The rule is rewritten and now requires disclosure of
the identity of the person or entity on whose behalf the
brief is filed, and the source of any fee paid.
Comment to 2002 change: The change expressly
recognizes that a court may refuse to consider an
amicus curiae brief for good cause.