Short answer
Justice courts (justice of the peace) hear civil cases up to $20,000 under simpler rules. County courts at law and district courts hear larger cases under the full Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. The court affects your deadline, discovery and appeal rights.
Helpful next
Sources
- Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031 (justice court jurisdiction)
- Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Texas Judicial Branch)
Updated November 2026. General information about Texas law, not legal advice for your case. Laws and court rules change; we review these answers regularly.