Government of Texas - Judiciary

Judiciary

The judicial system of Texas has a reputation as one of the most complex in the United States, with many layers and many overlapping jurisdictions. Texas has two courts of last resort: the Texas Supreme Court, which hears civil cases, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Except in the case of some municipal benches, partisan elections choose all of the judges at all levels of the judiciary; the governor fills vacancies by appointment.

All members of the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals are elected statewide; since 1997, all 18 seats (nine on each court) have been held by the Republican Party.

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Famous quotes containing the word judiciary:

    The judiciary has fallen to a very low state in this country. I think your part of the country has suffered especially. The federal judges of the South are a disgrace to any country, and I’ll be damned if I put any man on the bench of whose character and ability there is the least doubt.
    William Howard Taft (1857–1930)