Richard Hightower

Qualifications: What characteristics and experience qualify you to serve as a justice?

I am a 1980 graduate of Baylor Law School. I was elected to this bench in 2018. I was awarded the 2023 Appellate Judge of the Year by the Tex. Assoc. of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists (TCTAS).

Ethics: Since judicial candidates solicit donations and raise money to be elected, how can voters be assured that campaign donations will not impact how judges interpret the law and review lower court decisions?

Judges are presumed to follow the law regardless of political donations. Unfortunately, raising money is a necessary evil to run a successful multi-county race such as this one. Judges on this court decide cases in panels of three, therefore there is a check and balance system in place. Additionally, our opinions are subject to review by higher courts for potential error.

Judicial Elections: How would the administration of justice be impacted if judges ran in nonpartisan races?

In smaller counties, nonpartisan races could create more balanced elections, because often the voters in the county will have firsthand experience with a candidate(s). It becomes more problematic in down ballot races in larger counties, such as my county, Harris, where there may be as many as 80 judicial races on a ballot. The key to success in non-partisan races is voter education.

Equity: What can be done to improve access to justice for all, including persons or groups who may be underserved?

Increase funding from state and local government and the private sector to support Legal Aid organizations. I am a member of the Texas Bar Foundation that raises large amounts of money to support the legal representation for the underserved. Additionally, public defender offices and experienced court appointed attorneys must be utilized to protect the liberty interests of the underserved.

Court System: What effect will the new business court and statewide court of appeals have on the administration of justice in Texas?

Business courts will hear high dollar business cases. Judges are appointed by the Governor, not elected by the people. The new appellate court will have statewide jurisdiction, as opposed to all other appellate courts in Texas and will hear appeals from the business courts and cases against the State. This court reduces the jurisdiction of the other appeals courts, such as my current court.