After an election that swept scores of Republican judges out of office, Gov. Greg Abbott is eyeing judicial selection reform. Advocates hope that the perennial issue may finally draw some attention.
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.
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Broken Border
A judge ordered the end of migrant family separations last year. But a report says 30 kids remain in custody without their parents.
The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform issued subpoenas earlier this year after the federal agencies overseeing immigration policy refused to provide information voluntarily.
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Criminal Justice
Judge dismisses part of Texas’ “sanctuary city” lawsuit against San Antonio
In its first enforcement action under a controversial new law, Texas sued San Antonio last year, alleging that the city had broken the law in December 2017.
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Broken Border
In El Paso court, migrants no longer get legal advocates or pre-hearing briefings on their rights
El Paso’s backlogged immigration court recently halted programs designed to aid asylum seekers as they navigate a complicated legal system. “The confusion in the courtroom is palpable,” says one advocate.
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Health care
As Texas seeks to overturn Obamacare, attention focuses on a potential swing judge
Jennifer Walker Elrod, a federal appeals court judge appointed by George W. Bush, asked the majority of the questions in a two-hour session Tuesday on Texas’ lawsuit.
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Health care
Texas is going to court to end Obamacare. It hasn’t produced a plan to replace it.
During a legislative session focused on schools and taxes, Texas lawmakers did little to prepare for the possibility that Obamacare will be struck down in its entirety — even as the state leads the charge to have the law declared unconstitutional.
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Demographics
Government lawyers affirm fight over 2020 census isn’t over, according to statement to judge
The government has begun printing the census forms without the question, and that process will continue, administration officials said.
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Courts
Supreme Court says federal courts don’t have a role in deciding partisan gerrymandering claims
The 5-to-4 decision could impact looming redistricting processes in Texas and across the country.
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Guides
Here’s a list of organizations that are mobilizing to help the influx of immigrants crossing the Texas-Mexico border
Government agencies are grappling to respond to the number of immigrants coming into the country. Many tax-funded shelters housing immigrants are overcrowded, and there are reports some have substandard living conditions. We’ve compiled a list of organizations that are mobilizing to help.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Children can still be charged with prostitution in Texas after Greg Abbott veto
Lawmakers praised a bill for protecting victims of human trafficking, but the governor said it it would have “unintended consequences” and could provide an incentive for human traffickers to use underage prostitutes.
