CIVIL PRACTICE & REMEDIES CODE

CHAPTER 23. JUROR CONTINUANCE


	§ 23.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:                                   
		(1)  'Religious organization' means an organization 
that meets the standards for qualification as a religious 
organization under Section 11.20, Tax Code.
		(2)  'Religious holy day' means a day on which the 
tenets of a religious organization prohibit its members from 
participating in secular activities, such as court proceedings.

Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 589, § 5, eff. Aug. 31, 1987;  
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 825, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.


	§ 23.002.  RECESS.  (a)  If a juror in a civil action is 
required to appear at a court proceeding on a religious holy day 
observed by the juror, the court or the court's designee shall 
recess the civil action until the next day the court is in session 
after the conclusion of the holy day.
	(b)  A juror seeking a recess must file with the court before 
the final selection of the jury an affidavit stating:
		(1)  the grounds for the recess;  and                                         
		(2)  that the juror holds religious beliefs that 
prohibit him from taking part in a court proceeding on the day for 
which the recess is sought.
	(c)  An affidavit filed under Subsection (b) is proof of the 
facts stated and need not be corroborated.

Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 589, § 5, eff. Aug. 31, 1987;  
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 825, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.