Texas Courts

The Supreme Court of Texas has issued an emergency order authorizing the modification of deadlines in certain justice courts affected by Hurricane Beryl. Find the order here: txcourts.gov/media/1458872/…

In collaboration with @TXChildrensComm and @TxCourts, TIDC is thrilled to share videos highlighting child welfare law as a potential career path. Judges & attorneys discuss the importance of high quality representation for children and parents. #TXLege youtu.be/byRrgWnrbDo?fe…

📢The Supreme Court, Office of Court Administration @TxCourts, and @TDHCA reflect on the successful completion of the TX Eviction Diversion Program. 🏠 TEDP helped tenants avoid eviction, reimbursed landlords, and helped judges clear dockets. Read more: conta.cc/3NNDfgD

The Supreme Court of Texas issued its final orders of the term today, clearing its docket of argued cases for the 9th year in a row. Find the case summaries of opinions here: txcourts.gov/media/1456724/… Find the full orders here: txcourts.gov/supreme/orders… #appellatetwitter #scotx

.@SupremeCourt_TX Chief Justice Nathan Hecht delivered his State of the Judiciary address yesterday, calling for the need to improve #A2J, increase judicial salaries and create business #courts. Read more via @TexasTribune. texastribune.org/2023/04/05/tex…

Honored to be in the Texas Supreme Court to hear our Chief Justice deliver his State of the Judiciary Address — a thorough review of the state of our justice system and a compelling and aspirational challenge for our future. Proud to partner with him in this effort. #txlege

CJ Hecht reiterated his support for bail reform amendments SB 1318 and HB 3400 as well as SJR 44 and HJR 181. He also supports changes to allow people charged with first-time, non-serious misdemeanors to have their records sealed as proposed in SB 499 and HB 1737. #SOJ2023

Chief Justice Hecht stated that in the last 23 years, the judiciary has only received 3 pay raises. “Inadequate compensation is the obvious reason for high attrition in the judiciary,” he stated, noting that in the 2020-21 biennium the turnover rate was 16%. #SOJ2023

Statewide criminal case clearance rates are now 101% for felonies and 110% for misdemeanors. That means courts are disposing of more cases than are filed. The civil docket is not far behind at 97%. “Efficiencies prompted by COVID are becoming the new normal,” CJ Hecht said.

On court backlogs, Chief Justice Hecht noted that Texas’s appellate courts are current with their work. Trial courts are trending current with the exception of cases that must be tried before a jury, he said. #SOJ2023

“If we sat down to create a 21st century justice system from scratch, it would bear little resemblance to what we have. Lawyers and judges resist change. Stability and predictability are certainly virtues in the law. Obstinacy is not.” #SOJ2023

Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht, the 27th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, greeted members of the judiciary, legislative, and executive branches in the Supreme Court courtroom for his fifth State of the Judiciary address: “My fellow Texans.” #Soj2023

Mark your calendars! Watch the State of the Judiciary address live at noon on April 5 at txcourts.gov/soj #txlaw #txlawyers #scotx #txlege

TYLA launches website to improve public understanding of Texas courts waxahachiesun.com/business/tyla-…

We love state courts and people love working for state courts, too. Feel the love from @TxCourts and see why they believe Courts Rock! Watch now: vimeo.com/762375426.

Don't ignore your jury summons. Everyone deserves the right to a fair trial. That's only possible when you answer your call to serve at #jury service. Remember, #justice starts with you. #harriscounty #houston

Oral argument update: Oral arguments have been rescheduled for 11 a.m. today in person. The arguments will be streamed live via the Court's YouTube page: @SupremeCourtofTexas" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@SupremeCourto…

The Court released two administrative orders this afternoon: 1) the final general emergency order regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and 2) final approval of rule changes that determine when remote court proceedings may be held. Links in reply to this post. #txlawyers

The 58th Emergency Order of the COVID-19 pandemic: txcourts.gov/media/1455517/… The 59th Emergency Order of the COVID-19 pandemic: txcourts.gov/media/1455516/…

SCOTX has proposed new rules to govern remote participation in civil proceedings. The court invites written comments on the rules by email to rulescomments@txcourts.gov by January 1, 2023 Read more about the changes: texasbar.com/AM/Template.cf… #appellatetwitter #txlawyers #txlaw