Sec. 2. SUPREME COURT; JUSTICES.

298 words·~1 min read·/tx/the-texas-constitution/article-5-judicial-department/2·

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)The Supreme Court shall consist of the Chief Justice and eight Justices, any five of whom shall constitute a quorum, and the concurrence of five shall be necessary to a decision of a case; provided, that when the business of the court may require, the court may sit in sections as designated by the court to hear argument of causes and to consider applications for writs of error or other preliminary matters.

(b)No person shall be eligible to serve in the office of Chief Justice or Justice of the Supreme Court unless the person:

(1)is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas;

(2)is, at the time of election, a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of Texas;

(3)has attained the age of thirty-five years;

(4)has been either:

(A)a practicing lawyer licensed in the State of Texas for at least ten years; or

(B)a practicing lawyer licensed in the State of Texas and judge of a state court or county court established by the Legislature by statute for a combined total of at least ten years; and

(5)during the time required by Subdivision

(4)of this subsection has not had the person's license to practice law revoked, suspended, or subject to a probated suspension.

(c)Said Justices shall be elected (three of them each two years) by the qualified voters of the state at a general election; shall hold their offices six years; and shall each receive such compensation as shall be provided by law.

(Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Aug. 11, 1891, Aug. 25, 1945, Nov. 4, 1980, and Nov. 6, 2001; Subsec.

(b)amended Nov. 2, 2021.) (TEMPORARY TRANSITION PROVISION for Sec. 2: See Appendix, Note 3.)