Back to Main Page / Back to List of Rules
Rule 85. Original Answer; Contents
TEXT
The original answer may consist of pleas of privilege, to the jurisdiction, in abatement, or any other dilatory pleas; of special exceptions of general denial, and any defense by way of avoidance or estoppel, and it may present a cross-action, which to that extent will place defendant in" the attitude of a plaintiff. Matters in avoidance and estoppel may be stated together, or in several special pleas, each presenting a distinct defense, and numbered so as to admit of separate issues to be formed on them.
Source: Texas Rule 7 (for District and County Courts).
Change: The plea of privilege has been listed first. Reference to the general exception has been omitted. The word “facts” is not used.
Oct. 29, 1940, eff. Sept. 1, 1941.
AMENDMENTS
ADVISORY OPINIONS
Question: Are requests for admissions under Rule 169 applicable to a hearing on a plea of privilege and controverting affidavit?
Answer: Yes. Requests for admissions under Rule 169 may be made "at any time after defendant has made an appearance." Under Rule 85 one form of an appearance by the defendant is by an answer which "may consist of pleas of privilege," etc. (Cf. Rule 121) The purpose of the rule is to require admissions of parties as to uncontroverted facts and dispense with proof thereof, and it is applicable to every step in the proceedings after appearance.
5 Tex. B.J. 15 (1942) reprinted at 8 Tex. B.J. 6 (1945).