About the Texas Judiciary

Texas Civil Procedure: Core Doctrines Explained

An overview of the core civil procedure doctrines that shape how lawsuits unfold in Texas. Rooted in English common law but shaped by local priorities, Texas's procedural rules reflect a distinctive legal culture.

editorJune 13, 2025

Judiciary

Supreme Court of Texas

Understanding the structure and function of Texas' highest civil court

editorNovember 21, 2022

Judiciary Texas Civics 101

Judiciary of Texas

Understanding the structure and functions of the Texas court system

editorNovember 21, 2022

Criminal Justice Judiciary Texas Civics 101

Jury Trial

Understanding the role of juries in the court system, and the responsibilities of jurors

editorNovember 21, 2022

Judiciary Political History

The Origins of Texas’ System of Two High Courts

Dual high courts serve different functions, have different origins

editorNovember 18, 2022

Judiciary

Texas Business Courts

Specialized courts handling complex commercial litigation

editorFebruary 26, 2025

Elections Judiciary

Judicial Elections in Texas

Unlike states where judges are appointed, Texas elects almost all judges

editorApril 28, 2022

Judiciary

County Courts at Law in Texas

Local courts handling civil disputes, family law matters, and misdemeanor criminal cases

editorNovember 21, 2022

Judiciary Texas Law and Statutes

Protective Orders in Texas: Family Violence and Stalking Cases

Protective orders in Texas are legal tools used to prevent future harm in cases of family violence, stalking, or abuse.

editorMay 24, 2025

Criminal Justice Judiciary

The Role of Grand Juries

Understanding the role of grand juries in the criminal justice system

editorNovember 18, 2022

Criminal Justice Judiciary

Plea Bargaining in Texas Criminal Courts

Plea bargaining dominates criminal justice in Texas, resolving most cases without trial. This article explains the process, legal framework, and historical evolution of plea bargaining.

editorJune 9, 2025

Judiciary

Texas Indigent Defense Commission

Agency tasked with improving public defense systems across Texas

editorMay 24, 2025

Painting of municipal court judge speaking to a woman who is standing in front of the bench with a Texas flag next to the judge.

Judiciary Local Government

Municipal Courts in Texas

Overview of the structure, functions, and jurisdiction of municipal courts in Texas.

editorNovember 20, 2022

Judiciary Texas Law and Statutes

Guardianship Laws in Texas

Guardianship in Texas is a court-supervised legal relationship designed to protect individuals who cannot manage their personal or financial affairs.

editorMay 24, 2025

Judiciary Local Government

Justice of the Peace Courts

“JP Courts” handle traffic cases, evictions, small claims, and bail hearings

editorNovember 19, 2022

Judiciary

How Texas Courts Review Trial Court Decisions on Appeal

Appellate courts do not simply rehear cases from scratch. Instead, they apply carefully defined standards of review—legal frameworks that determine how much deference to give the decisions made by trial judges or juries.

editorJune 7, 2025