# Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock Delivers | Texas Political Spotlight | USLege > Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock Delivers 2025 State of the Judiciary Address Canonical: https://www.uslege.ai/news/texas-political-spotlight-texas-supreme-court-chief-justice-jimmy-blacklock-delivers-2025 --- [News](/news)/[The Political Spotlight](/newsletters) Newsletter # Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock Delivers | Texas Political Spotlight Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock Delivers 2025 State of the Judiciary Address Texas Political Spotlight February 28, 2025 This is the archive excerpt. The complete issue, with every story in full, lives on The Political Spotlight. [Read the full issue](https://uslege.beehiiv.com/p/texas-political-spotlight-af4e58ec4cf858ec) [Subscribe free](https://uslege.beehiiv.com/) **Welcome back, friends** Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock delivered his inaugural State of the Judiciary address, calling for higher judicial salaries, stronger public safety measures, and expanded legal access while reaffirming his commitment to constitutional originalism. With statements focused on accountability, law enforcement, and parental rights, Blacklock called for the Legislature to enact several judicial reforms that he said would strengthen the future of the state's legal system. Image Credit: Supreme Court of Texas ## **Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock Delivers 2025 State of the Judiciary Address** **»»»** [_Click here to watch the full address, with transcripts_](https://app.uslege.ai/videos/2933?utm_source=www.txlege.news&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=texas-political-spotlight&_bhlid=658ec77cbccc983224765080814c8d9567052de7) In his inaugural State of the Judiciary address, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock provided a candid assessment of the judiciary’s strengths and challenges, underscoring the rule of law as the foundation of Texas’s legal system. Speaking before a joint session of the Texas Legislature on Wednesday, Blacklock called for legislative action on a range of issues facing the judiciary including judicial compensation, public safety, legal access, and constitutional interpretation with measured urgency and a call for legislative action. ## **_Judicial Compensation and Retention_** Blacklock addressed concerns over judicial performance and reiterated his commitment to accountability. He issued a direct appeal for increased judicial salaries, asserting that the ability to attract and retain highly qualified judges is paramount. "If we want to attract and retain hardworking rule-of-law judges who are qualified to wield the extraordinary power our constitution gives them, it is absolutely essential that we raise judicial salaries significantly this session," he stated. Texas currently ranks 48th in the nation for judicial pay, a standing he warned could have long-term repercussions on the judiciary’s effectiveness. He urged the legislature to implement the Judicial Compensation Commission’s recommendation of a 30% salary increase, arguing that the move would enhance judicial stability and ensure fair and competent adjudication. ## **_Support for Law Enforcement and Public Safety_** Blacklock made clear his stance on accountability. "Instead of holding down the salaries of 98% of judges because 2% of them aren't doing their job, we should use the power the constitution gives us to make the 2% find another job," he asserted. He pointed to constitutional provisions that empower the judiciary to remove underperforming judges and emphasized the Supreme Court’s ongoing efforts to identify inefficiencies. Additionally, he advocated for reforms to streamline litigation, including a move away from rotating dockets to a single-judge case management system, ensuring consistency and efficiency in case handling. ## **_Judicial Accountability and Efficiency_** Addressing concerns over judicial performance, Blacklock made clear his stance on accountability. "Instead of holding down the salaries of 98% of judges because 2% of them aren't doing their job, we should use the power the constitution gives us to make the 2% find another job," he asserted. He pointed to constitutional provisions that empower the judiciary to remove underperforming judges and emphasized the Supreme Court’s ongoing efforts to identify inefficiencies. Additionally, he advocated for reforms to streamline litigation, including a move away from rotating dockets to a single-judge case management system, ensuring consistency and efficiency in case handling. ## **_Access to Legal Services_** Blacklock advocated for reforms that could expand access. "We must be open to carefully changing the way we regulate the legal profession," he said. He proposed exploring options such as allowing qualified non-lawyers to provide basic legal services, a move he suggested could alleviate the burden on lower-income individuals while preserving the integrity of the legal system. He urged lawmakers to collaborate with the judiciary to make legal assistance more affordable and accessible to all Texans. ## **_Constitutional Interpretation and the Rule of Law_** Blacklock emphasized that judges must apply the law as written rather than reinterpret it based on contemporary social or political trends. "Our constitution means the same thing yesterday, today, and tomorrow, until the people of Texas decide to change it," he declared. He warned against judicial overreach and underscored that the courts must serve as neutral arbiters, applying the text of the law as understood at the time of enactment. ## **_Family Law and Child Welfare_** Shifting to family law, Blacklock expressed concerns about the termination of parental rights in cases where no direct harm to a child is proven. "Termination of parental rights is the civil death penalty," he warned. He urged legislators to reconsider statutes that might unnecessarily sever familial bonds, arguing that parental rights should not be terminated solely on procedural grounds. He called for increased legal representation for parents in such cases and emphasized the need for reforms that ensure families are given a fair chance before the courts intervene. Blacklock concluded his address with a call for unity in upholding the integrity of the Texas judiciary. "We must be good stewards of this treasure we’ve been given, to polish it of its imperfections, but only with great care and love," he said. He emphasized that legislative support for judicial pay, law enforcement, and legal access reforms would strengthen the courts and preserve the rule of law for generations to come. With a vision centered on judicial excellence, accountability, and fidelity to the law, Blacklock’s address set forth a roadmap for a judiciary he hopes remains steadfast, fair, and committed to the original layout of Texas law. We hope you enjoyed today’s read! 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