Oral Arguments

Attorneys arguing cases before the Supreme Court of Texas must check in at the marshal's table next to the bench prior to the first oral argument, which begins at 9:00 a.m. The doors to the courtroom usually open at 8:30 a.m. to allow attorneys sufficient time to check in prior to the first oral argument.

Petitioners' and relators' counsel sit at the table to the left of the lectern when facing the bench. Respondents' and real parties' counsel sit at the table to the right of the lectern when facing the bench. If you are arguing the first case, you may set up at your table when you arrive. Otherwise, you may sit in the public gallery until the recess immediately prior to your argument.

Generally, only one counsel should argue for each side. Except on leave of court, no more than two counsel on each side may argue. Only one counsel may argue in rebuttal. Tex. R. App. P. 59.5.

There is a $75.00 fee that is due when a petition is set for oral argument. If you would like to use exhibits at oral argument, you must pay a $25.00 fee and submit eleven hard copies of your electronically filed exhibits on 8 ½" by 11" paper to the clerk's office before 8:30AM on the day of oral argument. The clerk's office will provide the exhibits to the marshal who will place the exhibits on the bench.

Yes, you may use exhibits at oral argument. Exhibits must be electronically filed at least the day before the oral argument, and before the end of the business day. There is a $25.00 filing fee that will paid via the electronic filing service provider. You must provide eleven hard copies of the exhibit, on 8 ½" by 11" paper to the clerk's office before 8:30AM on the day of oral argument.

Large exhibits may be set up to the left of the lectern in the courtroom immediately prior to your argument. Please ask the marshal or the clerk for assistance. If you would like to integrate an electronic copy of your exhibit into the video webcast of the oral argument, please call the clerk at 512-463-1312.

Yes, a laptop can be plugged in at the podium and we can display the laptop contents on a monitor in the courtroom. You must notify the clerk's office at least a day in advance that you intend to use this equipment. The clerk's office can provide a laptop for oral argument use; again, please notify the clerk's office at least a day in advance.

Yes, please notify the clerk's office in advance so that practice arrangements can made to come in at least the day before the oral argument.

Unlike some other appellate courts, the marshal will introduce you to the court. In addition, if you are the petitioner or relator, the marshal will inform the court about how you have allotted your time (e.g. "May it please the Court, Ms. Smith will present argument for the petitioner. Petitioner has reserved five minutes for rebuttal."). You should pause before speaking to allow the marshal to make your introduction.

Also, the court uses wireless timer system. The system displays the amount of time remaining in each argument segment and illuminates a green, yellow, or red light. A display is located at the lectern and on the bench. A yellow warning light informs you when you have two minutes remaining in your argument. A red light indicates that your time has expired. When the red light comes on, you should acknowledge that your time has expired and request permission to conclude your remarks.

Be sure to turn off your cell phone or other electronic device that might make noise during the oral argument.