Article Contents
District courts in Texas are trial courts where a judge or jury decides a criminal or civil matter. The district courts are part of the judiciary of Texas, responsible for administering justice throughout the state.
Jurisdiction of District Courts
Each district court serves a geographical area set by the Judicial Districts Board, subject to legislative approval. As of 2020, the State had 476 district courts, according to the Office of Court Administration (see map).
District courts generally handle serious criminal cases (felonies), divorce cases, land title cases, election cases, and civil disputes involving $200 or more. However, 13 district courts handle only criminal cases and are designated “criminal district courts.”
District courts do not handle lesser crimes, known as misdemeanors, which are handled by county courts. The one exception is a misdemeanor involving official misconduct.
Trial Courts
Unlike appellate courts, which only review the decisions of lower courts, district courts hear witnesses, receive testimony, review evidence, and render a verdict in a trial.
Jury Trial vs Bench Trial
Either a judge or a 12-member jury decides the facts in a district court trial. Texans have the right to a jury trial, but sometimes they do not exercise that right, especially in civil cases. In that case, the judge decides the case. This is called a “bench trial.”
Appeals from District Courts
Appeals from the district courts go to the Texas Courts of Appeal, except that death penalty cases go directly to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Election of Judges
Voters elect district court judges directly. Each judge holds office for a four-year term.
Map of Texas District Courts
Download – Texas District Court Map as of January 2021 (PDF)
