Civil District Court Judge, District 55
District courts are trial courts of general jurisdiction of Texas. They have original jurisdiction in felony criminal cases, divorce cases, cases involving title to land, election contest cases, civil matters in which the amount of money or damages involved is $200 or more, and any matters in which jurisdiction is not placed in another trial court. The courts may specialize in civil, criminal, juvenile, or family law matters. Four-year term.
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Nile Copeland
(Rep)
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Latosha Lewis Payne
(Dem)
What will you do to promote the just, prompt, and affordable resolution of civil cases that come before your court?
What specific actions would you take to ensure the timely resolution of cases while maintaining fairness for all parties?
Justice requires both fairness and efficiency. If elected, I will actively manage my docket by setting realistic scheduling orders, enforcing deadlines consistently, and ruling on motions promptly so cases move without unnecessary delay. I will encourage early mediation and meaningful settlement discussions when appropriate, while ensuring parties who need a trial receive one without undue delay. I will use technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs while protecting due process. My experience as a trial lawyer, mediator, FINRA Chair Arbitrator, and former Houston Municipal Judge has prepared me to deliver fair, prompt, and affordable justice for every litigant.
I will actively manage my docket by setting realistic scheduling orders, enforcing deadlines consistently, and ruling on motions promptly. I will hold meaningful case management conferences when needed to identify issues early, encourage mediation and settlement where appropriate, and ensure cases that require trial are reached without unnecessary delay. I will apply the law impartially, treat every litigant with respect, and provide all parties a full and fair opportunity to be heard. My experience as a trial lawyer, mediator, arbitrator, and former Judge has prepared me to balance efficiency with fairness while ensuring equal justice under the law.
I will be fair and will bring a unique and different perspective, as shaped by my experiences, that will ensure all parties have an equal opportunity for justice under the law. I will make sure all litigants have an opportunity to be heard in oral hearings. I would allow pro se litigants to obtain a pro bono lawyer to assist them during their case. I will provide clear and understandable court procedures, which will be available in the courtroom in several languages. I will follow the law.
I will automatically set cases for trial after a defendant has answered within weeks. I will provide an adequate amount of time and remain flexible in setting oral hearings. I will have three days of law day dockets. I will also make decisions on motions presented to the court in a timely fashion. I will have a monthly dismissal docket for cases that are not progressing. I will send cases to mediation that have not been resolved within 18 months. I will reduce the number of cases awaiting trial and total pending cases, so that more Harris County citizens can obtain justice in civil courts.
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