Jan Patterson , Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals . Woodie Jones , Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals . Bea Ann Smith , Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals . There are fourteen courts of appeals districts in Texas. Each court has appellate jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases decided in the district and county courts.
Judges serve six year terms.
The third court of appeals sits in Austin and serves twenty-four counties. We are very proud of our Democrats on that court, and even congratulate that Republican who was defeated by the people in an election, but Governor Bush took compassion on him and put his bacon back on the court. Sam Biscoe , County Judge . Elected countywide, the county judge sets the agenda of the Commissioners Court. With the commissioners, the judge sets the county tax rate and approves the budget, sets fees for county services and approves contracts.