Understanding Texas’ Court System and the New 15th Court of Appeals

The Texas judicial system is distinct in both its structure and the broad range of cases it manages, from local criminal cases to large-scale business disputes.  

Recently, Senate Bill 1045 introduced a new court designed to handle specific appeals, including cases involving state agencies and high-value business controversies.  

Here’s a breakdown of the Texas court structure and what this new 15th Court of Appeals means for the state. 

Texas’ Three-Tier Court System

The Texas courts are organized into a three-tier system, each with a defined role in handling cases: 

Trial Courts

At the first level, trial courts include county courts and district courts, which exist in every county and hear both criminal and civil cases. 

• Civil Cases: These involve disputes over property, money, business interests, family law, probate, and similar matters.

• Criminal Cases: These cases involve claims by the state that an individual has violated a criminal statute, carrying penalties such as imprisonment or fines.

Intermediate Courts of Appeals

The second tier is composed of 14 intermediate Courts of Appeals, which handle appeals from trial courts within their geographic regions. These courts hear both civil and criminal appeals, covering specific regions of Texas.  

Each court is seated in a designated city and serves surrounding counties. For instance, Houston has two Courts of Appeals, while other cities like Fort Worth, Austin, and Dallas each have one. 

Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals

The final tier includes two high courts with distinct jurisdictions: 

1. The Texas Supreme Court handles civil appeals from the intermediate Courts of Appeals but does not hear criminal cases.

2. The Court of Criminal Appeals hears criminal appeals and provides the final word on criminal cases in Texas.

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The Addition of the 15th Court of Appeals

Senate Bill 1045 introduces the 15th Court of Appeals as a new, statewide appellate court with a focused jurisdiction that differs from the existing regionally based Courts of Appeals. Here’s what sets it apart: 

Statewide Jurisdiction

Unlike the regional appellate courts, the 15th Court of Appeals will not be confined to a specific area of Texas. 

Focus on Civil Appeals

This new court will exclusively handle civil appeals, particularly those involving: 

• Cases against the State of Texas, state agencies, or state officials in their official capacities.

• Disputes involving state universities, employees, and officers, though it will exclude cases like family law or personal injury.

• Cases questioning the constitutionality of state statutes or rules, especially where the Attorney General is involved.

• Appeals from the newly created statewide business district court, which handles business disputes involving controversies of $5 million or more.

Impact on Texas Courts and Case Flow

The 15th Court of Appeals will help alleviate the workload of the 3rd Court of Appeals in Austin, which has traditionally handled many cases against the state and its agencies. With the 15th Court’s creation, many of these high-profile cases will transfer to the new court, allowing the 3rd Court to focus on its other responsibilities. 

Operational Timeline and Appointments

The 15th Court of Appeals is expected to open in September 2024, with three justices initially serving on the bench. By 2027, the court will expand to five justices. The Governor of Texas will appoint the initial justices, giving the new court a solid foundation to manage cases as soon as it begins operations. 

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Why the 15th Court of Appeals Matters

The introduction of the 15th Court reflects Texas’ commitment to handling cases efficiently and addressing the needs of both residents and businesses. For those involved in state-related cases, the new court offers an avenue to ensure timely and fair handling of complex legal issues, particularly those that impact the state and major business interests. 

This court underscores the importance of a structured, tiered approach in Texas, supporting faster resolutions and reducing backlogs in other regions. Its creation signifies a focus on managing the increasing volume and complexity of state-related cases while allowing regional appellate courts to continue serving their local communities. 

For anyone seeking to understand how this new addition to the Texas judiciary may affect their case, Richards Rodriguez & Skeith is here to offer insights and guidance.  

Whether dealing with a complex civil dispute or facing state litigation, understanding the nuances of Texas’ judicial structure can be crucial. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information or assistance.