http://dbpedia.org/data/Judiciary_of_Texas.atom2025-01-04T09:32:33.131932ZOData Service and Descriptor Documenthttp://dbpedia.org/resource/Judiciary_of_Texas2025-01-04T09:32:33.131932ZThe structure of the judiciary of Texas is laid out in Article 5 of the Constitution of Texas and is further defined by statute, in particular the Texas Government Code and Texas Probate Code. The structure is complex, featuring many layers of courts, numerous instances of overlapping jurisdiction (in terms of territory), several differences between counties, as well as an unusual bifurcated appellate system at the top level found in only one other state: Oklahoma. Municipal Courts are the most active courts, with County Courts and District Courts handling most other cases and often sharing the same courthouse.9491219909771112387606The structure of the judiciary of Texas is laid out in Article 5 of the Constitution of Texas and is further defined by statute, in particular the Texas Government Code and Texas Probate Code. The structure is complex, featuring many layers of courts, numerous instances of overlapping jurisdiction (in terms of territory), several differences between counties, as well as an unusual bifurcated appellate system at the top level found in only one other state: Oklahoma. Municipal Courts are the most active courts, with County Courts and District Courts handling most other cases and often sharing the same courthouse. Administration is the responsibility of the Supreme Court of Texas, which is aided by the Texas Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council and the State Bar of Texas, which it oversees. The State Bar of Texas (SBOT) is a mandatory bar, rather than merely a voluntary association of lawyers (such as the ABA or local bar associations). In order to practice law in Texas courts, an attorney must be licensed, stay abreast of legal developments through continuing legal education (CLE) courses, and pay dues. The public can obtain basic information on all Texas attorneys, including their bar number, license status, and disciplinary record, from the Bar's website.Judiciary of Texas