Texas

Supreme Court

Texas’s highest court for civil matters is the Supreme Court of Texas. The court has eight justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is selected according to the same procedures as the associate justices. (Source: Texas Constitution)

Judicial Selection

Texas Supreme Court justices are selected for six-year terms through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. Justices may seek additional terms through partisan elections. When a seat opens in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a candidate to fill the vacancy. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. The appointed justice holds office until Texas’ next general election. The elected justice serves a six-year term. There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve; however, a justice may not stand for election after turning 75. A justice who turns 75 during the first four years of a six-year term must vacate the seat at the end of the calendar year of the term’s fourth year. A justice who turns 75 in the final two years of the term is permitted to complete the term.

Court of Criminal Appeals

Texas’s highest court for criminal matters is the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The court has eight judges and one presiding judge. The presiding judge is chosen by election. (Source: Texas Constitution)

Judicial Selection

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judges are selected for six-year terms through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. Justices may seek additional terms through partisan elections. When a seat on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a candidate to fill the vacancy. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. The appointed judge holds office until Texas’ next general election. The elected judge serves a six-year term. There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not stand for election after turning 75. A judge who turns 75 during the first four years of a six-year term must vacate the seat at the end of the calendar year of the term’s fourth year. A judge who turns 75 in the final two years of the seat’s term is permitted to complete the term.

State Constitution

Texas has had five state constitutions adopted between 1845 and 1876. As of January 1, 2024, it had 129 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)