Highest Court
The highest court in Texas is the Supreme Court of Texas. The Supreme Court consists of 9 justices. It has jurisdiction over (1) Full appellate jurisdiction in civil and juvenile cases.
Court of Criminal Appeals
The Court of Criminal Appeals consists
of 9 judges. It has jurisdiction over (1) Final appellate jurisdiction
in criminal cases.
Intermediate Courts
Court of Appeals
The Court of Appeals consists of
80 justices. It has jurisdiction over (1) Intermediate appeals from trial
courts in their respective courts of appeals districts.
General Courts
District Court
The District Courts consists of
414 judges. It has jurisdiction over (1) Original jurisdiction in
civil actions over $200 divorce, title to land, contested elections, and
contested probate matters. (2) 10 District Courts are named Criminal District
Courts; others are directed to give preference to certain specialized areas.
Limited Courts
Constitutional County Courts
The Constitutional County Court
consists of 254 judges. It has jurisdiction over (1) Original jurisdiction
in civil actions between $200 and $5,000. (2) Probate (contested matters
transferred to District Court). (3) Exclusive original jurisdiction over
misdemeanors with fine greater than $500 or jail sentence. (4) Appeals
de novo from lower courts or on the record from municipal courts of record.
County Courts At Law
The County Courts at Law consists
of 192 judges. It has jurisdiction over (1) Limited jurisdiction over civil
matters, and most under $100,000. (2) Limited jurisdiction over criminal
matters. (3) Appeals de novo from lower courts, or on the record from municipal
courts of record.
Probate Courts (County)
The Probate Court consists of 16
judges. It has jurisdiction over (1) Limited primarily to probate matters.
Municipal Courts (Local)
The Municipal Courts consists of
1,294 judges. It has jurisdiction over (1) Criminal misdemeanors with fines
less than $500. (2) Exclusive jurisdiction over municipal ordinance violations
(Fines up to $2,000). (3) Limited civil penalties in cases involving dangerous
dogs. (4) Magistrate functions.
Justice of the Peace Courts (Local)
The Justice of the Peace Courts
consists of 835 judges. It has jurisdiction over (1) Civil actions under
$5,000. (2) Small Claims (3) Criminal misdemeanors punishable by fine only
(no confinement). (4) Preliminary hearings. (5) Magistrate functions.
Additional Information
State of Judiciary Message
At the beginning of each regular
session of the legislature, the Supreme Court Chief Justice shall deliver
a written or oral speech discussing the accessibility of the courts to
the citizens and the future of the courts. This is to promote better communication
between the judiciary and legislative branch. (§ 21.004 GOV'T)
Judicial Fund
The judicial fund is created in
a separate fund in the state treasury to be administered by the comptroller.
The funds hall be used only for court-related purposes for the support
of the judicial branch of this state.(§ 21.006 GOV'T)
Disqualification of Justices
The chief justice may certify to
the governor when one or more justices of the supreme court have recused
or disqualified to hear and determine a case in court. Upon receiving
this information, the governor shall commission the needed and qualified
active appellate or district justices to try and determine the case. (§
22.005 GOV'T)
Training for Prosecuting Attorneys
Related to Punishment Enhancement Because of Bias or Prejudice
The court of criminal appeals shall
provide to prosecuting attorneys the needed training related to the use
of Section 12.47 PENAL, Penal Code, and Article 42.014 CODE CRIM. P., Code
of Criminal Procedure, for enhancing punishment on a finding that an offense
was committed because of the defendant's bias or prejudice as defined in
Article 42.014 CODE CRIM. P., Code of Criminal Procedure.(§ 22.111
GOV'T)
Use of Teleconferencing Technology
At the decision of the chief justice
or presiding judge, the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, or
a court of appeals may allow an oral argument to be presented by the use
of teleconferencing technology from any location.(§ 22.302 GOV'T)
Donation of Reimbursement
The juror may donate their compensation
for jury service according to the standards and rules set forth in this
statute. (§ 61.003 GOV'T)
Appointment for Particular Matters
The county judge for reasonable
cause may appoint a visiting judge who will have the powers of the county
judge when concerning the assigned matter. The be appointed a visiting
judge, a person must be agreed on by the counsels of record, if the counsels
are able to agree. (§ 26.022 GOV'T.)
