What happened: In November, Texas voters will have the opportunity to vote for candidates to fill the majority of seats on the state’s major urban appellate courts, which are responsible for deciding some of the most consequential issues in the state.
Remind me: Every six years, a majority of the seats on the urban intermediate appellate courts are on the ballot. Because Texas law limits the amount of money judicial candidates can raise, it’s difficult for judges to communicate with the voters in these large districts, which often leads to partisan sweeps that have nothing to do with the judges’ qualifications or experience.
- The last time this happened in 2018, a Democratic sweep ushered out centuries of combined legal experience.
Tell me more: Because these courts handle thousands of cases each year while the state’s two high courts each handle about 100 cases a year, the intermediate appellate courts are the final deciders in the vast majority of civil, criminal, juvenile and family appeals.
- The quality and fairness of judicial decisions and the speed at which cases are resolved has a significant impact on public safety, legal precedent and the overall functioning of the justice system in Texas.
TLR Thoughts: It is crucial for Texas to have experienced judges on its appellate courts to ensure efficient and fair justice. The upcoming elections are a vital opportunity for voters to shape the direction of the courts and ensure they operate effectively for the benefit of all Texans.
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