Previewing the State of the Judiciary Address
Good Wednesday morning. Trying something a bit different today: a preview of SCOTX Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock's State of the Judiciary Address.
Get in touch: greg@gregcox.law
"I don't think the judiciary is beyond critique." While SCOTX Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock has been on the Court since 2018, he has been chief justice for only 51 days. Today's address – his first public comments outside a legislative committee room – will provide great insight into the mindset and priorities of the state's 28th Chief Justice.
The State of the Judiciary Address is a biennial tradition dating back to 1979, where the chief justice provides an update on the state’s court system, highlights key issues, and—if history is any guide—gently nudges lawmakers in the direction of reform.
And recall that Blacklock's appointment to the role came as Nathan Hecht was forced to resign after Texas voters rejected an increase in the mandatory judiciary retirement age via Proposition 13 in 2023. Hecht served as Chief Justice from 2013 to 2024 and has delivered the past five State of the Judiciary Addresses.
We've really only heard publicly from Blacklock a few times. His testimony last month to the Senate Finance Committee made waves for his call to increase judicial pay. And on Monday, he answered some more philosophical questions, like what he sees as the greatest challenge the Texas Supreme Court faces in the near future.
