Rule 501 Privileges in General

In Texas courts, people generally cannot refuse to testify, share information, or hand over documents just because they want to. The default rule is that everyone must participate when asked by the court.

There are exceptions, though. A person can refuse if the U.S. Constitution, the Texas Constitution, a law, or a specific court rule gives them that right. Common examples include the right not to testify against yourself or private conversations between a lawyer and client.

If no law or rule specifically protects the information, a person cannot stop someone else from testifying or sharing it either. The burden is on the person claiming a privilege to point to a specific rule that allows them to stay silent.