New state Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Blacklock is the latest judge to face a familiar challenge in Texas: On the bench, he has to appear impartial. But to keep his seat, he has to win the approval of Texas’ deep-red electorate.
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
Trial begins in case targeting Texas’ statewide elections of judges
Both sides revealed the outlines of their cases Monday in a federal court trial testing Texas’ nearly 150-year-old system of statewide elections to the state’s two highest courts.
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Politics
Trump to nominate Abbott adviser Oldham to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals
For the second time in a matter of months, a top legal adviser to Gov. Greg Abbott has been named to a prominent judicial post.
Posted in
The Taking
South Texas judge dismisses fraud lawsuit over border fence project
A judge said Hidalgo County’s lawsuit against former drainage district manager Godfrey Garza Jr. wasn’t strong enough to take before a jury. But the county judge says the county will appeal.
Posted in
Politics
As state Sen. Carlos Uresti’s fraud trial drags on, one defrauded investor’s testimony could be key
State Sen. Carlos Uresti’s criminal fraud trial has entered its third week. The case could hinge on the testimony of one of Uresti’s former legal clients.
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Demographics
Immigrant rights groups say federal policy change will dissuade some asylum seekers
Federal officials said this week that a change to how the federal government decides asylum cases is meant to stamp out fraud. But immigration attorneys and human rights watchdogs said the policy would probably do more harm than good.
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Criminal Justice
“They’re just setting those babies up for the penitentiary”: How minor offenses feed overcrowding at Houston youth jail
Across Texas, kids are getting into less trouble with the law even though the state population is exploding. So why is Harris County’s juvenile detention center bursting at the seams?
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Criminal Justice
Federal judge grants Texas request to block Obama-era restrictions on criminal background checks in hiring
Texas filed suit in 2013 over an Obama-era policy aimed at making it easier for convicted criminals to find work. In 2012, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advised employers to use criminal background checks during job screenings only when job-related or necessary for the business.
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Courts
Texas fetal remains burial rule blocked by federal court again
U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra ruled Monday afternoon that Texas cannot move forward with the rule, citing that the Texas Department of State Health Services’ arguments “lack merit.”
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Economy
AG Paxton says he will consider suing to end DACA if court case drags on
In an amicus brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday stated that if the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program still exists in June, his office would consider filing suit to eliminate the program.
