In a lawsuit, four former Paxton aides claim they were wrongfully terminated for reporting alleged criminal behavior on his part. Paxton’s agency wants a judge to quash subpoenas and depositions, saying that as an elected official Paxton is exempt from state whistleblower protection laws.
Courts
Stay up to date on Texas courts with in-depth coverage of major rulings, judicial elections, criminal justice, and the judges shaping state law from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Ken Paxton is only state attorney general in the U.S. who didn’t sign letters condemning Capitol insurrection
Paxton has individually condemned the violence on television and social media while falsely claiming the pro-Trump mob that invaded the U.S. Capitol was infiltrated by liberal antifa activists.
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Criminal Justice
Texas’ highest criminal court agrees to review murder conviction of white police officer who killed unarmed Black teen
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals took the rare step Wednesday in the landmark case of Roy Oliver, who was convicted of murder in the death of 15-year-old Jordan Edwards.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Ken Paxton told Trump supporters to “keep fighting.” When they breached the Capitol, he falsely claimed it wasn’t them.
At a low point in his rollercoaster political career, Paxton is betting on the Trump base to bring him back up the hill, lending the legitimacy of office to debunked claims that have motivated violence.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Analysis: As Ted Cruz argues for the president, Donald Trump’s supporters are the real prize
The senator from Texas is among legislators questioning the validity of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump. What’s at stake? The hearts of the Republican voters who strongly back the incumbent president.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
After whistleblowers left Texas attorney general’s office, Ken Paxton hired costly outside counsel for Google lawsuit
Texas could pay the outside lawyers tens of millions for their work on the case — an early indication of the costs taxpayers may bear in the latest scandal enveloping Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
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Coronavirus in Texas
A Texas man was sent to trial with the coronavirus. Jurors weren’t told they were exposed until after deliberations ended.
From March until June, Texas had zero jury trials because of the pandemic, starting a backlog of cases that will take years to overcome. This summer some counties started experimenting with in-person jury trials, which have posed health risks for those involved.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Austin won’t be allowed to restrict dining-in at restaurants, Texas Supreme Court says
Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Andy Brown sought to restrict dine-in food and beverage service both indoors and outdoors from 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., starting on New Year’s Eve and ending at 6 a.m. Sunday. The measure allowed restaurants to offer drive-thru, curbside pick-up, take out, or delivery services.
Posted in
Politics
Despite committee’s recommendation, ending Texas’ partisan judicial elections looks unlikely
Several Texas lawmakers said they would not vote to end the system of partisan judicial elections, which critics say allows for the appearance of impropriety if not bias itself.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton tell Austin restaurants to defy COVID-19 order banning overnight dine-in services
A judge ruled Austin and Travis County can restrict on-site dining overnight from Thursday until Sunday. Gov. Greg Abbott says restaurants should ignore the curfew.
