Texas Chief Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 1
Chief Justice & Justice, Court of Appeals: Six-year term. There are 14 Courts of Appeals in Texas located in 14 cities throughout the state. There is also a specialized 15th Court with statewide jurisdiction. Each of these Courts includes a Chief Justice and at least two other Justices. These Courts hear appeals on civil and criminal cases from lower courts in their districts. Current annual salary range: $205,000 to $255,050
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Scott Brister
(Rep)
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Jerry Zimmerer
(Dem)
Qualifications: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Ethics: How will you ensure your rulings remain impartial and free from both political pressure and the interests of your campaign donors?
Equity: What barriers prevent Texans from accessing the court system, and what can courts do to reduce those barriers?
Precedent: What factors should the Court of Appeals consider when deciding whether to change a past court ruling?
Philosophy: What is your judicial philosophy?
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As a former 14th Court Justice with a J.D., two LL.M.s and PMP/Six Sigma credentials, I combine judicial experience with process expertise to manage complex dockets fairly and efficiently.
I strive for impartiality by anchoring every ruling strictly in the trial record, statutory text, and established precedent. My core philosophy is built on civil respect for all parties. I have sponsored the HBA Implicit Bias Program, and my record demonstrates I actively work to eliminate outside influences, ensuring equal justice unaffected by political pressures.
Physical, financial, and digital barriers limit access to justice, I have advocated through HBA DEI for greater inclusion of people with disabilities. Courts can reduce these barriers by streamlining e-filing, expanding virtual access, and supporting legal aid. Technology can make justice more affordable and accessible for all Texans.
To change a past ruling, I balance legal stability with active reasoning. I view stare decisis as a shield against arbitrary power, but I believe we must always favor constitutional correctness over erroneous precedent. Superior court rulings always override my intermediate decisions. When I seek change, I write detailed opinions to provide clarity for our trial judges.
I believe a judge's role is to preserve the constitutional structure established by the people, and I favor our individual liberties as reflected in our Constitution. Stare decisis is my shield, but constitutional correctness comes first. Ruling with impartiality and efficiency, I call cases exactly as I see them - no fear and no favor.
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