The administrative law judges who oversee disputes involving state agencies typically don’t attract much attention, but the forced departure of a judge has critics questioning whether the agency’s independence is at risk — and calling on the governor to replace her.
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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Criminal Justice
Texas executed Juan Castillo, who said he was innocent, for 2003 San Antonio murder
A Texas death row inmate was executed Wednesday — his fourth execution date in a year. Though advocates and his attorneys insisted on Juan Castillo’s innocence, he lost all his fights in court and was put to death for a 2003 San Antonio murder.
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Demographics
Judge allows group of “Dreamers” to formally fight Texas’ lawsuit to end DACA
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund can represent a group of young undocumented immigrants in opposing a lawsuit aimed at ending an Obama-era immigration program shielding people like them from deportation.
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Health care
Texas sues the maker of OxyContin over the opioid epidemic
The Texas Attorney General’s Office says Purdue Pharma fueled “the nation’s opioid epidemic by deceptively marketing prescription painkillers,” including OxyContin.
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State Government
The Supreme Court ruled that states can legalize sports gambling. But Texas still might not play.
Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders have shown resistance to expanding gambling in the state in recent years.
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State Government
How a federal lawsuit could open the door to online voter registration in Texas
Texas is one of just a handful of states that doesn’t offer online voter registration. Advocates are hoping a recent ruling from a federal judge could change that.
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Demographics
Saying the state is violating a voter registration law, federal judge gives Texas until Thursday to propose a fix
Civil rights advocates hope that the ruling by U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia could force Texas to adopt a version of online voter registration.
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Criminal Justice
Survivors ask Texas AG to take action against owners of Karolyi Ranch, site of alleged sexual abuse of female gymnasts
The Texas Rangers have been investigating Karolyi Ranch since January, but lawyers for survivors say action from the state attorney general is needed as well.
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Criminal Justice
Judge approves settlement mandating air conditioning at hot Texas prison
“I never dreamt we’d get the Pack Unit air-conditioned,” the federal judge said at a Houston hearing.
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Criminal Justice
Judge says Texas death row inmate’s sentence should be reduced due to false evidence at trial
Paul Storey’s case had been granted another review less than one week before he was scheduled to be executed.
