The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the highest appeals court for criminal matters in the State of Texas. Alongside the Texas Supreme Court, which handles civil matters, it is the highest court in the Texas judiciary.
Defendants in Texas courts have the right of appeal after the jury or judge in a lower court makes a decision. Appeals typically go first to one of 14 Courts of Appeals located throughout Texas. In death penalty cases, the appeal goes directly to the high court.
The Court of Criminal Appeals does not review every decision made by the regional Courts of Appeal. In a given year, it agrees to review only a fraction of the thousands of cases submitted to it. For example, in 2016 the court reviewed 100 cases out of 4,458 appeals.
After deciding each appeal, the court delivers a written opinion that explains the reason for its decision. These opinions set binding precedents upon criminal courts throughout Texas.
Composition of the Court
The Court consists of nine judges, including one presiding judge who is chosen for the role by the others. The judges are elected in statewide elections and serve six-year terms.
Qualifications of Judges
Judges of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals must be at least 35 years of age, citizens of the United States and Texas, and licensed to practice law in Texas. They must also have practiced law for at least 10 years.
A person 75 years or older cannot run for a seat on the court.
Vacancies on the court are filled by appointment of the governor for the remainder of the unexpired term until the next election. Such appointments are subject to senate confirmation.
Court Staff
In all, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals employs about 70 people, including the judges. Each judge is assisted by a permanent attorney and a law clerk, who is typically a young lawyer recently graduated from law school, as well as an executive assistant.
Additionally, the court as a whole is served by three staff divisions: Central Staff, Clerk’s Office, and Judicial Education. The largest division, Central Staff, consists of about 20 employees in three sections: General Council, Writs, and PDR (Petitions for Discretionary Review), which screen applications for appeal from the lower courts.
The court’s Judicial Education section oversees Fund 540, the Judicial Court and Personnel Training Fund. The fund provides grants for the continuing education of judges of all levels, court personnel, prosecuting attorneys, and public defenders. Specialized training topics funded through this program have included mental health, innocence, and forensics.
Address and Contact
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals shares a building with the Texas Supreme Court.
- Address: 201 West 14th Street, Room 106, Austin, Texas 78701
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 12308, Austin, Texas 78711
- Website: https://www.txcourts.gov/cca
- Phone: (512) 463-1551
