Attorneys have many reasons for keeping informed of Texas courts and judges news and trends. Attorneys need to keep track of appointments as judges die or retire in order to correctly file papers with the court. Courts may change their procedures and administrative rules, which can affect the way that attorneys do their jobs. Attorneys also may want to know a judge’s legal education and background, as it may affect how a judge comes to a decision.

Anyone who wishes to stay current on news related to judges in Texas should identify key legal websites in Texas and check them periodically for updates. The best sources of information on news and trends on Texas courts and judges include the following:

1. Independent news sources on Texas judges and courts, such as blogs, newspapers and magazines. These sources are the most likely to provide unbiased opinions or news about a court or judge.
2. Court websites. These sites are the best source of official news and trends, such as current appointments and court decisions.
3. Organizations for legal professionals. Meetings of these organizations provide opportunities to get inside news information on courts and judges.
   

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Study sources of unbiased news and trends for courts in Texas

Journalists frequently report on news and events on Texas court cases in online newspapers and magazines. Attorneys and law professors also may provide opinions on recent court decisions in blogs and journals.

I recommend: The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Blog offers examinations, summaries and commentaries of current Texas court cases. The Supreme Court of Texas Blog covers Texas appellate practice news and trends, with a focus on cases before the Supreme Court of Texas.

Review websites for TX judges and courts to get official news and other information

Texas courts and judges websites are the best places to get current news about judges for a particular court, as well as information about upcoming appointments and retirements. A Texas court also may publish important court decisions and opinions on the official website, which can help attorneys stay informed of the latest ruling trends.

I recommend: Texas Courts Online provides official news on the Texas court system. The Supreme Court of Texas provides its official orders and opinions, in addition to other news and information about the Supreme Court of Texas.

Join professional legal organizations to get inside news on TX courts

Texas bar and attorney organizations hold meetings to evaluate and discuss legal news and trends. These meetings also provide an opportunity to hear from attorneys who actually have tried cases before a particular Texas court or judge.

I recommend: The State Bar of Texas provides regular news releases on updates and decisions made by courts in Texas. The Austin Bar Association holds specific events that provide news on judges in Texas, such as breakfasts with the judiciary.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There also are online forums dedicated to news and trends in the Texas court system. These forums may have a separate directory for each court and typically invite readers to discuss and evaluate news on courts and judges based on personal experience. The evaluation methods may consist of surveys, polls and votes that include reader comments.

A basic knowledge of Texas courts and judges can be very beneficial if you ever find yourself in the courtroom. All too often individuals and businesses find the need to file a lawsuit, or are at the receiving end of a lawsuit, and their lack of knowledge on how the court system works leaves them lost in the proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances that put you there, it helps to understand the court process and to know a little about the individual overseeing your case.

It’s important to understand that there are multiple courts in Texas that oversee different types of cases. Each of these courts have judges that administer the law and case process. When considering Texas courts and Texas judges, keep the following in mind:

1. Justice of the Peace Courts, Municipal Courts and County Courts in Texas have limited jurisdiction on a local town or county level.

2. The Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals and Texas Courts of Appeals only hear appellate cases.

3. Bankruptcy information and case filings are also accessible through TX court records.

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Locate Texas courts and judges

There are multiple levels to the Texas court system. At the bottom are local justice of the peace and municipal courts, which have limited jurisdiction and handle small claims and civil cases, as well as criminal cases punishable by fine only. Next are the 494 County-level Texas courts (and 494 judges in TX counties), with jurisdiction limited to the county in which the court resides. County courts handle all basic criminal cases, probate, juvenile and civil cases up to $10,000. There are 444 district state trial courts in Texas. These district courts handle felony criminal cases and divorces, as well as the same civil and juvenile cases.

I recommend: Find the contact information for the court your need on the The Texas Office of Court Administration website. To obtain court information by county, visit the county website directory provided by the Texas Association of Counties. Visit Texas Courts Online for information on Texas judges, including required qualifications.

File an appeal with the Supreme Court and Texas Court of Appeals

The Texas Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals and Court of Appeals all hear only appellate cases. The purpose of an appellate court is to review the trial transcript and original evidence of a case to determine if there were any errors in the original case decision. There are no witnesses, jurors or new evidence in a case heard before the Texas appellate courts and their decisions are final. There are seven judges in Texas Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals has 14 districts, with three to 13 Texas judges in each. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is in Austin and has nine judges.

I recommend: Search the online docket for information on current case on The Supreme Court of Texas website. Obtain information on each of the 14 Courts of Appeals on Texas Courts Online.

Access records from bankruptcy courts in Texas

Whether you need to search for a bankruptcy filing on a debtor or determine if bankruptcy is an option for you or your company, the Texas Bankruptcy Courts can assist you with both. Four districts make up the Texas Bankruptcy court: the northern, eastern, western and southern districts. Each district provides information on the basics for bankruptcy filing, contact information for trustees and bankruptcy attorneys and an online search of Texas court cases in bankruptcy through the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).

I recommend: Obtain information on local bankruptcy court rules, forms and fees on the US Bankruptcy Court – Eastern District of Texas website. Visit the bankruptcy court records search on the US Bankruptcy Court – Northern District of Texas PACER website (each district provides a similar online search).

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of how much knowledge you have of courts and judges in Texas, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.

Texas courts and judges laws and regulations govern how judges resolve disputes in interpreting and applying the law. These laws are passed by the various legislative bodies in Texas, such as the Texas state legislature, and are enforced by the executive branch of government. A party that is dissatisfied by the decision of the trial court typically may appeal to the intermediate Court of Appeals. They also may have the option of asking the highest state court to hear the case.

The assignment of a case to TX courts is determined by the court that has jurisdiction. There are three general types of courts in Texas:

1. County courts. County judges in TX generally have jurisdiction over Texas court cases for traffic offenses and other misdemeanors. The vast majority of these cases are resolved without a trial.
2. District courts. A federal district court of Texas has jurisdiction over federal issues and is subject to review by a United States court of appeals.
3. Supreme Court. There is only one Supreme Court of Texas and it consists of a panel of judges. A federal court only may overrule a state supreme court when there is an issue of federal jurisdiction.
   

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Learn about the laws regarding TX judges in county courts

Texas county courts are the workhorses of the Texas judicial system and decide most cases in Texas. Texas county courts commonly handle matters of probate law, traffic law and family law. Local rules for county courts address the procedures for assigning cases, issuing subpoenas and filing discovery motions.

I recommend: Smith County offers rules for its court, such as Local Rules of Practice for Family Law Cases. County of Denton lists a series of administrative rules for courts in this county.

Examine laws that affect Texas judges in district courts

District courts in Texas are the trial courts for the federal court system. They also include courts that handle bankruptcy law as separate units of the district courts. District courts have rules that govern court procedures, such as filing civil actions, making motions and requesting continuances.

I recommend: The United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas has local rules for civil procedures, criminal procedures and attorneys. The United States District & Bankruptcy Courts, Southern District of Texas has rules for both the United States District & Bankruptcy Courts.

Review the laws governing the Texas Supreme Court

The Texas Supreme Court is the highest state court in Texas and generally only hears appeals involving state law. It does not make finding of facts and, therefore, does not hold trials. The Supreme Court issues rules for topics like judicial conduct, the discipline of attorneys and the publication of opinions.

I recommend: The Supreme Court of Texas has an extensive list of rules, standards and administrative orders. The State Bar of Texas has a Court Rules Committee that discusses and proposes changes in the administrative rules to the Supreme Court.