Justices of the 5th Court of Appeals
The Breakdown
Job Description
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The 5th Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over Dallas, Collin, Grayson, Hunt, Rockwall and Kaufman counties.
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They review all death penalty cases in this region and review applications for writ of habeas corpus.
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*habeas corpus is the requirement for a person under arrest to be brought before a judge to ensure the person’s detention is lawful
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overview
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Judges: 13
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Salary: 154-163k per year
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Term length: 6 years
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Qualifications: Must be a US and Texas citizen, have 10+ years experience as a lawyer or judge, and be 35-74
Republican Candidates
Place 6: Incumbent John Browning
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Appointed August 2020 by Gov. Abbott to take Justice David Bridges' seat
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31 years of experience as a trial and appellate lawyer
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He promises to continue Bridges’ legacy as a conservative voice for the court of appeals
Place 8: Incumbent Bill Whitehill
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Appointed January 2015
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Has experience as a trial and appellate lawyer
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Practiced law at one of the oldest Texas law firms, Foley Gardere for 32 years
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Believes his job on the 5th Court of Appeals to interpret the law as written
Place 3: David Evans
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Appointed November 2019 by Gov. Abbott
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Has 18 years experience as a trial judge and appellate justice
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Believes in the endurance of the Declaration and Constitution and intends tointerpret these documents and laws as they were written
Democratic Candidates
Place 6: Craig Smith
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Presiding judge for the 192nd Civil District Court
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Over 40 years of combined legal and judicial experience
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Believes a judge in this position needs extensive knowledge of the law, the ability to craft strong opinions, and willingness to work collaboratively
Place 8: Dennise Garcia
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Presiding judge for the 303rd District Court since 2004
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Practiced family law in Dallas for over 20 years
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Was awarded the 2006 Merrill Hartman Judicial Pro Bono Service Award and 2003-2004 Texas Super Lawyer
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Trained in collaborative law procedure and dispute mediation
Place 3: Bonnie Goldstein
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Presiding judge for the 44th Civil District Court
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Has over 25 years of legal and judicial experience
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Believes a judge should set aside partisanship, ideology, and outside influence when on the bench