Court Structure

Each court in the Texas court system has a specific jurisdiction. Our court system is made up of:

• municipal courts;
• justice courts (justice of the peace);
• county courts;
• probate courts;
• district courts;
• business court; and
• courts of appeal.

At the highest level, the Texas Supreme Court hears civil cases and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals hears criminal cases.

For information on rules that govern court proceedings and procedures, see the Texas Court Rules page.

Common Law

Texas uses a common-law system. In a common-law system, decisions from high courts are binding on lower courts. This concept is known as setting a precedent.

Case law is derived from past decisions made by the courts. This type of law is constantly evolving because the courts are always hearing new cases and interpreting the law.