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The legal landscape in Texas is shifting with the opening of the state’s newest appeals court, the 15th Court of Appeals. This court, which began its work on Sunday, is set to handle a broad range of high-profile cases that will have significant implications across the state’s 254 counties. Established by Republican lawmakers and appointed by Governor Greg Abbott, the 15th Court will cover cases statewide, marking a departure from the more localized jurisdiction of other appeals courts.
The creation of the 15th Court comes amid growing concerns about political balance within the Texas judiciary. The new court will review cases that were previously under the jurisdiction of the Third Court of Appeals in Austin, which has recently leaned more liberal. This shift is notable given the cases the new court will handle, including those involving major corporations like Google, Exxon Mobil, and Yelp, as well as politically charged issues such as marijuana de-criminalization and election challenges.
One of the court’s key cases involves the legality of local ordinances aimed at de-criminalizing marijuana possession in certain cities. Previously, Democratic judges in Austin and San Marcos ruled against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s attempts to block these measures. The new court’s decisions on such matters could have a profound impact on the ongoing debate over marijuana legalization in Texas, a state where recreational use remains illegal.
Ground Game Texas, an advocacy group pushing for marijuana de-criminalization, has expressed concern that the new court is a politically motivated move. Mike Siegel, the group’s political director, criticized the court as a “special, governor-controlled tribunal” designed to benefit businesses and state officials. Despite this, Siegel believes that the legal precedents set by previous courts will likely influence the 15th Court’s decisions.
The 15th Court’s formation is part of a broader trend where Republican-controlled legislatures are reshaping the judiciary. Critics argue that this is a form of venue shopping, designed to ensure that cases with significant political or business implications are adjudicated by a more conservative bench. Supporters, however, argue that the new court will provide a more efficient system for handling complex and high-stakes cases, alleviating the burden on existing courts.
Chief Justice Scott Brister, one of the three appointed justices, previously served on the Texas Supreme Court, while Scott Field and April Farris bring substantial appellate experience to the new court. The justices are expected to serve two-year terms before facing re-election.
Cindy Olson Bourland, a Republican former justice, supports the court’s establishment, viewing it as a way to enhance the efficiency of Texas’s appellate system. She believes that the 15th Court will improve the management of complex cases that previously overloaded the Third Court of Appeals.
As the 15th Court of Appeals begins its work, it will undoubtedly shape the future legal and political landscape in Texas, affecting everything from corporate litigation to the enforcement of local policies on contentious issues like marijuana and public infrastructure projects.