by Carol Sims | Sep 11, 2019 | Governor's Office, Judicial Appointments, Judiciary, Texas Supreme Court
The Texas Supreme Court’s newest justice, Jane Bland, will be sworn in by Gov. Greg Abbott at 3 p.m. today in a ceremony that will include former Justice Jeff Brown’s oath to become a new U.S. District Court judge in Galveston. Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht will administer Judge Brown’s oath. Gov. Abbott nominated Justice Bland, who…
by Carol Sims | Feb 21, 2019 | Governor's Office, Judicial Appointments, Judiciary, Texas Supreme Court
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Brett Busby to the Supreme Court of Texas for a term set to expire on December 31, 2020. Busby’s appointment follows the retirement of Justice Phil Johnson. “It is a distinct honor to appoint Brett Busby to serve on the Supreme Court of Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Brett’s respect for the Constitution and his…
by Carol Sims | Jul 10, 2018 | Courts - Federal, Judiciary, Press Releases
Governor Greg Abbott today appointed and swore in Jimmy Blacklock to the Texas Supreme Court following Justice Don Willett’s confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit…
by Carol Sims | Nov 28, 2017 | Judicial Appointments, Judicial Impact, Judicial Selections, Texas Supreme Court
Pending the confirmation of Justice Don Willett for the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Governor Greg Abbott has selected Jimmy Blacklock as the next Associate Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. Blacklock currently serves as the Governor’s General Counsel. A graduate of Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law, he previously worked for then-Attorney General Abbott in the Solicitor General’s office and as an assistant attorney general. “We applaud Governor Abbott for making a superb choice for the Texas Supreme Court,” said Carol Sims, TCJL Executive Director. “Jimmy Blacklock has broad legal experience in state government and will bring a unique and scholarly perspective to the Court. He also understands the critical importance of judicial restraint, deference to legislative policy decisions, and a stable jurisprudence to the continuing prosperity of our state.” Justice Willett’s confirmation could come as early as next month. The timing of Governor Abbott’s announcement, just two weeks before the December 11 filing deadline for the 2018 primary ballot, appears to head off the possibility of a contested primary or the prospect of Justice Willett’s replacement on the ballot by vote of the State Republican Executive Committee. This process may still occur if Justice Willett’s confirmation does not occur until after December 11, but it seems highly unlikely that, if called to do so, the SREC would put anyone other than the Governor’s appointee on the ballot. As the Governor’s appointee, Blacklock will run for election to a full six-year term in...
