Harrison County, Texas
Volunteer Voter's Guide
Court of Criminal Appeals Judge
There are 9 "places" for judges on the court.
One of them serves as the Presiding Judge.
On even-numbered years, we vote on some of the places. This year we're voting on 3 of them.
These are the judges we have now:
Place 3:
Serving since 2015
Up for election in 2020
Opponents:
Place 4:
Serving since 2015
Up for election in 2020
Opponents:
Place 9:
Serving since 2015
Up for election in 2020
Opponents:
You can learn more about these candidates and their agendas at vote411.
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Choose the race you want to learn about
Place 1 (Presiding Judge):
Sharon Keller (R)
Serving since 2019
Up for election in 2024
Place 2:
Mary Lou Keel (R)
Serving since 2017
Up for election in 2022
Place 5:
Scott Walker (R)
Serving since 2017
Up for election in 2022
Place 7:
Barbara Hervey (R)
Serving since 2019
Up for election in 2024
Place 8:
Michelle Slaughter (R)
Serving since 2019
Up for election in 2024
Place 6:
Michael Keasler (R)
Serving since 2017
Term ends in 2020
Michael Keasler's term will end early, so the governor will appoint a replacement.
What does the Court of Criminal Appeals do?
How does it affect me?
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the court of last resort for all criminal appeals including all capital punishment (death penalty) cases.
Criminal cases typically involve an individual who has been accused of committing a crime, anything from driving without a license to crimes with serious bodily injury. The court hears both mandatory and discretionary cases, meaning it may choose whether or not it wants to hear a case from one of the 14 lower courts of appeals.
Position numbers of Justices are just to make voting an easy process. So, when you see "Justice, Place 6" on the ballot, just know that it is to help you keep track of who you're voting for.
The Harrison County Court of Appeal is in the 6th District, based in Texarkana.
Term-6 years, elected or appointed. This is different from the U. S. Supreme Court where justices serve for life.
The court has 8 Justices and 1 Chief Justice.