Texas Business Courts
Specialized courts handling complex commercial litigation
Judiciary of Texas
Understanding the structure and functions of the Texas court system
County Courts at Law in Texas
Local courts handling civil disputes, family law matters, and misdemeanor criminal cases
Jury Trial
Understanding the role of juries in the court system, and the responsibilities of jurors
Supreme Court of Texas
Understanding the structure and function of Texas' highest civil court
Municipal Courts in Texas
Overview Municipal courts in Texas are the judicial organ of city government. These courts primarily handle traffic cases,…
Justice of the Peace Courts
“JP Courts” handle traffic cases, evictions, small claims, and bail hearings
Texas Judicial Council
Advisory Role The Texas Judicial Council is the policy-making body for the Texas judiciary, consisting of 24 members,…
Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct
Overview The Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct is an independent state agency responsible for investigating allegations of judicial…
Specialty Courts in Texas
Overview Specialty courts in Texas are established by county governments to handle a particular type of crime or…
State Bar of Texas
Mandatory licensing body for attorneys and most judges in Texas
State Prosecuting Attorney
Overview The State Prosecuting Attorney is the highest criminal prosecutor in Texas and leads the Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney, a small…
The Role of Grand Juries
Understanding the role of grand juries in the criminal justice system
Federal Courts in Texas
Jurisdiction of Federal Courts Federal courts in Texas have jurisdiction over cases that involve violations of federal law,…
District Courts in Texas
Trial courts handling both civil and criminal matters
Texas Courts of Appeals
Regional appellate courts responsible for reviewing both civil and criminal cases
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Overview The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the highest appeals court for criminal matters in the State…
Office of Court Administration
Overview The Office of Court Administration is an agency of the Texas judicial branch that operates under the…
The Origins of Texas’ System of Two High Courts
Dual high courts serve different functions, have different origins
Probate Courts
Purpose of Probate Courts Probate courts are specialized courts responsible for managing inheritance disputes and for handling the…