All members of the Texas Supreme Court typically belong to the same party because all are elected in statewide races, rather than by the electorates of smaller appellate districts, as the justices on the intermediate appellate courts are. Although there are fourteen such courts, the state is geographically divided into thirteen.
How many justices sit on the Texas Supreme Court?
The Texas Supreme Court consists of a Chief Justice and eight associate justices. All positions are elective. While the chief has special administrative responsibilities, each member has one vote and may issue a dissenting or concurring opinion. Granted cases are assigned to justices' chambers for opinion authorship by draw.
How many courts of last resort does Texas have?
The United States Supreme Court is the court of last resort in the federal court system. Each of the states and the District of Columbia has at least one supreme court, or court of last resort. Oklahoma and Texas both have two courts of last resort, one for civil appeals and one for criminal appeals.
How many judicial districts does Texas have?
The Texas District Courts form part of the Texas judicial system and are the trial courts of general jurisdiction of Texas. As of January 2019, 472 district courts serve the state, each with a single judge, elected by partisan election to a four-year term. District courts have original jurisdiction in all felony criminal cases, divorce cases ...
How many courts are there in Texas court system?
Texas' court system has three levels: trial, appellate, and supreme. Trial: The trial level, or local, courts are the most numerous, consisting of over 450 state district courts, over 500 county courts, over 800 Justice of the Peace courts, and over 900 municipal courts. These courts handle the vast majority of legal matters in Texas.
Does Texas have two supreme courts?
Article V, § 1 of the Texas Constitution provides that the “judicial power of this State shall be vested in one Supreme Court, in one Court of Criminal Appeals, in Courts of Appeals, in District Courts, in County Courts, in Commissioners Courts, in Courts of Justices of the Peace, and in such other courts as may be ...
How many Supreme courts Texas has?
Supreme Court of TexasAuthorized byConstitution of TexasAppeals toSupreme Court of the United StatesJudge term length6 years; renewableNumber of positions910 more rows
How many courts are in the state of Texas?
The Office of Court Administration's Judicial Information program collects statistical and other information from Texas' approximately 2,800 courts.
How many Supreme courts does Texas have and why what are the jurisdictions?
1. NUMBER OF COURTS: One. 2. JURISDICTION: The Supreme Court of Texas has statewide, final appellate jurisdiction in civil and juvenile cases, and original jurisdiction to issue writs.
Does Texas have a Supreme Court?
Composed of the chief justice and eight justices, the Supreme Court of Texas is the court of last resort for civil matters in the state. The Supreme Court is in Austin, immediately northwest of the state Capitol. Supreme Court justices are elected to staggered six-year terms in statewide elections.
Who is the Supreme Court of Texas?
Founded in 1836, the Texas Supreme Court is the state's court of last resort for civil matters and has nine judgeships. The current chief of the court is Nathan Hecht. As of June 2021, all eight judges on the court identified with the Republican Party.
What are the 8 types of courts in Texas?
These courts include the district courts, county courts, county courts of law, probate courts, justice courts, and municipal courts. The district courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction of Texas.
How many justice courts does Texas have?
What is Texas' court structure? Texas' court system has three levels: trial, appellate, and supreme. Trial: The trial level, or local, courts are the most numerous, consisting of over 450 state district courts, over 500 county courts, over 800 Justice of the Peace courts, and over 900 municipal courts.
What is the highest criminal court in Texas?
The Court of Criminal AppealsThe Court of Criminal Appeals is Texas' highest court for criminal cases. The Court consists of a Presiding Judge and eight Judges. They are elected by the voters of the entire state, and they hold their offices for terms of six years.
How many supreme courts are there?
There are 94 district courts, 13 circuit courts, and one Supreme Court throughout the country.
Why does Texas and Oklahoma have two supreme courts?
This system of bifurcated appeal has the unique advantage of dividing the state's appellate caseload into more manageable burdens to be shared by two high courts, helping to speed the administration of justice. This is particularly advantageous in a state as large as Texas.
What are the most powerful courts in Texas?
The amendment established the Supreme Court as the highest state appellate court for civil matters, and the Court of Criminal Appeals, which makes the final determination in criminal matters. Today, there are also 14 courts of appeals that exercise intermediate appellate jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases.
Why does Texas and Oklahoma have two supreme courts?
This system of bifurcated appeal has the unique advantage of dividing the state's appellate caseload into more manageable burdens to be shared by two high courts, helping to speed the administration of justice. This is particularly advantageous in a state as large as Texas.
What is the highest criminal court in Texas?
The Court of Criminal AppealsThe Court of Criminal Appeals is Texas' highest court for criminal cases. The Court consists of a Presiding Judge and eight Judges. They are elected by the voters of the entire state, and they hold their offices for terms of six years.
How many justices serve on the Texas Supreme Court quizlet?
Like the U.S. Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court has nine justices, including one chief justice.
How many Supreme Court Justices are there?
Nine JusticesNine Justices make up the current Supreme Court: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr., is the 17th Chief Justice of the United States, and there have been 104 Associate Justices in the Court's history.
How many justices are on the Texas Supreme Court?
Structure of the court and membership. The Texas Supreme Court consists of a Chief Justice and eight associate justices. All positions are elective. While the chief has special administrative responsibilities, each member has one vote and may issue a dissenting or concurring opinion.
What is the Supreme Court of Texas?
The Texas Supreme Court is the only state supreme court in the United States in which the manner in which it denies discretionary review can actually imply approval or disapproval of the merits of the lower court's decision and in turn may affect the geographic extent of the precedential effect of that decision. In March 1927, the Texas Legislature enacted a law directing the Texas Supreme Court to summarily refuse to hear applications for writs of error when it believed the Court of Appeals opinion correctly stated the law. Thus, since June 1927, over 4,100 decisions of the Texas Courts of Appeals have become valid binding precedent of the Texas Supreme Court itself because the high court refused applications for writ of error rather than denying them and thereby signaled that it approved of their holdings as the law of the state.
How many intermediate courts of appeals have women?
Some of the fourteen intermediate courts of appeals have female majorities. The Fourth Court of Appeals, based in San Antonio, is composed entirely of women. Justice Eva Guzman resigned from Place 9 effective Friday, June 11, 2021 at 3 PM after delivering a final dissenting opinion in the morning.
How many decisions have been made by the Texas Supreme Court since 1927?
Thus, since June 1927, over 4,100 decisions of the Texas Courts of Appeals have become valid binding precedent of the Texas Supreme Court itself because the high court refused applications for writ of error rather than denying them and thereby signaled that it approved of their holdings as the law of the state.
What is the court of last resort in Texas?
state of Texas. A different court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA), is the court of last resort in criminal matters.
When did the Supreme Court of Texas stop hearing writs of error?
In March 1927, the Texas Legislature enacted a law directing the Texas Supreme Court to summarily refuse to hear applications for writs of error when it believed the Court of Appeals opinion correctly stated the law.
Where is the Supreme Court located?
The Court has its seat at the Supreme Court Building on the State Capitol grounds in Austin, Texas. Like the U.S. Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court consists of a Chief Justice and eight associate justices.
How long do judges serve in Texas?
After the term expires, justices must win another partisan general election to gain their first full, six-year term.
When will the Supreme Court of Texas be up for election?
The terms of four Texas Supreme Court justices expired on December 31, 2020. The terms of three Texas Court of Criminal Appeals justices expired on December 31, 2020. All seven seats were up for partisan election on November 3, 2020.
What is a trifecta in Texas?
A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government.
What is the caseload of the Texas Supreme Court?
The caseload of the Texas Supreme Court is determined by whether the court decides to grant a review of a judgment. The court has mandatory jurisdiction over writs of mandamus and habeas corpus .
What is the Supreme Court's jurisdiction?
Jurisdiction of Supreme Court; Writs; Clerk. (a) The Supreme Court shall exercise the judicial power of the state except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. Its jurisdiction shall be co-extensive with the limits of the State and its determinations shall be final except in criminal law matters.
How to become a judge in Texas?
In order to serve on the court, the following requirements must be met: 1 be a citizen of the United States; 2 hold state residency; 3 be licensed to practice law in Texas; 4 be older than 35 and younger than 74; and 5 have practiced law or been a judge for 10 years.
When will the Texas Supreme Court runoff be held?
The terms of three Texas Court of Criminal Appeals justices expired on December 31, 2020. All seven seats were up for partisan election on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for March 3, 2020, and a primary runoff was scheduled for July 14, 2020.
How many federal courts are there in Texas?
Federal courts. In Texas, there are four federal district courts, a state supreme court, a state court of appeals, and trial courts with both general and limited jurisdiction. These courts serve different purposes, which are outlined in the sections below.
How are state court judges selected in Texas?
Selection of state court judges in Texas occurs through partisan elections at each court level. Term lengths vary, but all judges must run for re-election at the ends of their terms.
What is a probate court in Texas?
The Statutory Probate Courts are courts in large metropolitan areas in Texas. Judges in these courts hear probate cases and "have original and exclusive jurisdiction over their counties' probate matters, guardianship cases, and mental health commitments."
What court hears mandatory cases in Texas?
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals hears both mandatory and discretionary cases. "All cases that result in the death penalty are automatically directed to the Court of Criminal Appeals from the trial court level. A significant portion of the Court’s workload also involves the mandatory review of applications for post conviction habeas corpus relief in felony cases without a death penalty, over which the Court has sole authority. In addition, decisions made by the intermediate courts of appeals in criminal cases may be appealed to the Court of Criminal Appeals by petition for discretionary review, which may be filed by the State, the defendant, or both. However, the Court may also review a decision on its own motion."
What is the caseload of the Texas Supreme Court?
The caseload of the Texas Supreme Court is determined by whether the court decides to grant a review of a judgment. The court has mandatory jurisdiction over writs of mandamus and habeas corpus .
What is a Texas county court?
Statutory County Courts, or Texas County Courts at Law, are established by state statute. The jurisdiction in these courts varies from county to county, but they are generally established to help shoulder the constitutional county courts' caseload. Because of this, they often have concurrent jurisdiction over many cases with the district courts and county courts.
What is the Texas district court?
Texas District Courts are the state trial courts of general jurisdiction in Texas. "District courts have original jurisdiction in felony criminal cases, divorce cases, cases involving title to land, election contest cases, civil matters in which the amount of money or damages involved is $200 or more, and any matters in which jurisdiction is not placed in another trial court. While most district courts try both criminal and civil cases, in the more densely populated counties the courts may specialize in civil, criminal, juvenile, or family law matters." The district courts often have concurrent jurisdiction with the Texas county courts.
How many justices are on the Supreme Court of Texas?
The Supreme Court of Texas was first established in 1836 by the Constitution of the Republic of Texas, which vested the judicial power of the Republic in “…one Supreme Court and such inferior courts as the Congress may establish.” This court was re-established by each successive constitution adopted throughout the course of Texas history and currently consists of one chief justice and eight justices.
How many types of courts are there in Texas?
There are three types of courts in Texas, generally. This includes the courts of last resort–the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. There are intermediate courts of appeals. And there are trial courts.
What is the Supreme Court's role in deciding petitions for review?
However, the Court exercises some control over its caseload in deciding which petitions will be granted. The Court usually takes only those cases that present the most significant Texas legal issues in need of clarification.
Which court has final appellate jurisdiction in most civil and juvenile cases?
The Supreme Court has statewide, final appellate jurisdiction in most civil and juvenile cases. Its caseload is directly affected by the structure and jurisdiction of Texas’ appellate court system, as the courts of appeals handle most of the state’s criminal and civil appeals from the district and county level courts, and the Court of Criminal Appeals handles all criminal appeals beyond the intermediate courts of appeals.
When was the first intermediate appellate court established in Texas?
The first intermediate appellate court in Texas was created by the Constitution of 1876 , which created a Court of Appeals with appellate jurisdiction in all criminal cases and in all civil cases originating in the county courts. In 1891, an amendment was added to the Constitution authorizing the Legislature to establish intermediate courts of civil appeals located at various places throughout the state. The purpose of this amendment was to preclude the large quantity of civil litigation from further congesting the docket of the Supreme Court, while providing for a more convenient and less expensive system of intermediate appellate courts for civil cases. In 1980, a constitutional amendment extended the appellate jurisdiction of the courts of civil appeals to include criminal cases and changed the name of the courts to the “courts of appeals.”
How many JP courts are there in a county?
JP courts are located in the counties in which they serve. Less populated counties may only have one JP; whereas, more populous counties may have upwards of ten JPs.
What is the highest level trial court in Texas?
District courts are the highest level trial court in Texas. Texas district courts hear a wide variety of cases. This can include family law and divorce cases, civil disputes, and criminal cases.
Administrative Judicial Region Presiding Judges' Activity
Annual summary of activity conducted by the presiding judges of the Administrative Judicial Regions.
Appointments & Fees Reports
Reports on court appointments made and any fees approved/paid for an attorney ad litem, competency evaluator, guardian, guardian ad litem, or mediator.
Court Activity Statistics
Annual Statistical Report covering each state fiscal year beginning September 1 and ending August 31. Includes an overview of Texas court structure and jurisdiction, analyses of case activity and trends, and statistics from appellate and trial courts.
Court Security Incidents
Annual summary of court security incidents occurring in or around a building housing a court.
Hate Crimes
Report of cases in which a request was made for an affirmative finding that an offense was committed because of bias or prejudice.
Indigent Defense Statistics
County Datasheet designed to provide a high-level overview of the indigent defense information that each individual county has reported to the Commission since 2001. Includes a summary of statewide statistics for the most recent fiscal year.
Information on Texas Judges
A variety of information about judges including demographics and salary data.
Where to mail a Supreme Court case in Texas?
For regular mail service, mail your filing to: P.O. Box 12248. Austin, Texas 78711-2248.
What do I need to be admitted pro hac vice in the Texas Supreme Court or another Texas Court?
Pro hac vice admissions are governed by Rule XIX of the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar of Texas. An electronic copy of these rules, and other information governing pro hac vice admission, is available on the Texas Board of Law Examiners web site.
When does the Supreme Court release orders?
Orders of the Supreme Court are scheduled for release at 9:00 a.m. each Friday. The orders are posted on the Court's web page that day. View the most recent orders of the Court.
Where can I find information on how to appeal to the Supreme Court?
The Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure provide detailed directions on filing appeals. These rules are found in most libraries and may also be found on in the rules section of our web site. Generally an appeal from a lower court is done through a petition for review. View the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure. The Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas web site provides a free Guide to Practice before the Supreme Court of Texas and free access to articles discussing all aspects of practice in Texas appellate courts as well as forms and instructions for filing a petition for review.
Where can I find a list of certified process servers, apply for certification as a process server, or find other information about process servers in Texas?
Information about process servers and becoming certified as a process server is available on the Judicial Branch Certification Commission site.
How to file an extension of time in Texas?
In order to get an extension of time to file a petition for review, you must file a motion for extension of time. The motion for extension of time must comply with Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure 53.7 (f) and 10.5 (b). The motion must state when the court of appeals issued its judgment, the court of appeal’s cause number, the date that the petition for review is due, the amount of additional time you want (e.g. 30 days), and explain the reasons for the request for additional time. The filing fee for the motion for extension of time is $10. You must file the motion for extension of time no later than 15 days after the deadline for filing the petition for review. The Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas has created a Sample Motion for Extension of Time.
How do I file a sealed exhibit or record with the Supreme Court?
Documents filed under seal or subject to a motion to seal may not be electronically filed. In order to file a document under seal in the Supreme Court, regardless of whether it has already been sealed by a lower court, you must electronically file a motion to seal. You may include in the appendix any trial court order sealing the document (s) and any notice filed with the Supreme Court upon moving to seal per T.R.C.P. 76 (a) (3).
Overview
Regulation of the practice of law in Texas courts
By statute, the Texas Supreme Court has administrative control over the State Bar of Texas, an agency of the judiciary. The Texas Supreme Court has the sole authority to license attorneys in Texas. It also appoints the members of the Board of Law Examiners which, under instructions of the Supreme Court, administers the Texas bar exam. The Court has the last word in attorney disciplinary proceedings brought by the Commission for Lawyer Discipline, a committee of the St…
Unique procedural aspects
The Texas Supreme Court is the only state supreme court in the United States in which the manner in which it denies discretionary review can actually imply approval or disapproval of the merits of the lower court's decision and in turn may affect the geographic extent of the precedential effect of that decision. In March 1927, the Texas Legislature enacted a law directing the Texas Supreme Court to summarily refuse to hear applications for writs of error when it believed the Court of Ap…
Structure of the court and membership
The Texas Supreme Court consists of a Chief Justice and eight associate justices. All positions are elective. While the chief has special administrative responsibilities, each member has one vote and may issue a dissenting or concurring opinion. Granted cases are assigned to justices' chambers for opinion authorship by draw. Grants require four votes. Judgments are rendere…
Supreme Court committees
Judicial Committee on Information Technology (JCIT)
Created in 1997 JCIT was established to set standards and guidelines for the systematic implementation and integration of information technology into the trial and appellate courts in Texas.
JCIT approaches this mission by providing a forum for state-local, inter-branch, and public-privat…
Texas Supreme Court judicial elections
Two members of the Court (Chief Justice Hecht and Justice Boyd) were up for re-election in 2020, and two more (Busby and Bland) were on the ballot to seek voter approval to serve out the remainder of their respective unexpired terms, following their appointment to supreme court vacancies by Governor Abbott. Although there was some speculation about Texas turning blue in the November 3, 2020 general elections, all GOP candidates in statewide races won, including th…
Further reading
• Haley, James L. The Texas Supreme Court: A Narrative History, 1836–1986 (Austin: University of Texas Press, 2013). xxviii, 322 pp.
External links
• Official Website for the Texas Supreme Court
Texas Supreme Court History: Links to Resources
• [2]
• The Texas Reports, the decisions of the Texas Supreme Court from 1846 to 1885, hosted by the Portal to Texas History
Jurisdiction
Justices
- Chief justice
Nathan Hecht (R) was appointed chief justice of the Supreme Court of Texas by Governor Rick Perry(R) on September 10, 2013. Hecht was re-elected in 2014 and 2020. - Vacancies
As of November 12, 2021, there were no vacancies on the Texas Supreme Court, out of the court's nine judicial positions.
Elections and Appointments
- In Texas, judges are appointed to fill midterm vacancies. Newly appointed judges must stand in the following general election to serve the remainder of their predecessor's term. After the term expires, justices must win another partisan general election to gain their first full, six-year term.
Caseloads
- The table below details the number of cases filed with the court and the number of dispositions (decisions) the court reached in each year.
Analysis
- Ballotpedia Courts: Determiners and Dissenters
1. 1.1. See also: Ballotpedia Courts: Determiners and Dissenters In 2020, Ballotpedia published Ballotpedia Courts: Determiners and Dissenters, a study on how state supreme court justices decided the cases that came before them. Our goal was to determine which justices ruled toget… - Ballotpedia Courts: State Partisanship
1. 1.1. See also: Ballotpedia Courts: State Partisanship Last updated: June 15, 2020 In 2020, Ballotpedia published Ballotpedia Courts: State Partisanship, a study examining the partisan affiliation of all state supreme court justices in the country as of June 15, 2020. The study prese…
Noteworthy Cases
- The following are noteworthy cases heard before the Texas Supreme Court. For a full list of opinions published by the court, click here. Know of a case we should cover here? Let us know by emailing us.
Ethics
- The Texas Code of Judicial Conduct sets forth ethical guidelines and principles for the conduct of judges and judicial candidates in Texas. It consists of eight overarching canons: 1. Canon 1:Upholding the Integrity and Independence of the Judiciary 2. Canon 2:Avoiding Impropriety and the Appearance of Impropriety in All of the Judge’s Activities 3. Canon 3:Performing the Duties o…
History of The Court
- The Republic of Texas' Constitution created a Supreme Court. The court consisted of a chief justice and associate justices, who were from the eight district courts of the state. These judges served with the chief justice from January 13, 1840, to December 29, 1845. At the end of 1845, Texas was admitted into the Union.
Partisan Control of Texas State Government
- A state government trifectais a term that describes single-party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. A state supreme court plays a role in the checks and balances system of a state government. Texas has a Republican trifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of govern…
External Links