Reception For Democratic Candidates On The Ballot For 5th District Court of Appeals

Today, there is a reception at Plano Parr Library for the Democratic candidates for 5th District Court of Appeals. This is your opportunity to talk with the judicial candidates to find out why it is so important who serves on your Court of Appeals.  The reception is sponsored by Democratic Precinct Chairs of Collin Co. The reception is today, Thursday, September 27, 7:00pm at Plano Parr Library, 6200 Windhaven Pkwy, Plano, Tx. (map) For more information, contact Barb Korman at silverfox1026@aol.com.

The Texas District Courts of Appeals are distributed in fourteen districts around the state of Texas. The Courts of Appeal have intermediate appellate jurisdiction in both civil and criminal cases appealed from district or county courts. Like the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals, Justices of the Texas Courts of Appeals are elected to six-year terms by general election.

The Court of Appeals for the Fifth District of Texas at Dallas, which includes one Chief Justice and twelve Justices, has jurisdiction over appeals from both district and county courts located in Dallas, Collin, Grayson, Hunt, Rockwall and Kaufman counties. The Court hears both civil and criminal appeals.

No Democrats currently sit on Fifth Court of Appeals. In the 2012 General Election, five Democratic Candidates are running for the 5th Court of Appeals:

• Tonya Holt for 5th District Court of Appeals Place 11
• Penny Phillips for 5th District Court of Appeals Place 5
• Larry Praeger for 5th District Court of Appeals Place 12
• David Hanshen for 5th District Court of Appeals Place 9
• Dan Wood for 5th District Court of Appeals Place 2

Penny Phillips talks about Court of Appeals Justice. Penny is an Air Force Veteran, 20-year attorney, and dedicated leader. Penny is an experienced lawyer with a long history of dedicated public service.

Both civil and criminal appeals are typically heard by a panel of three justices, unless in a particular case "en banc" hearing is ordered, in which instance all the justices of that Court hear and consider the case. (Graphical Guide to the Court System of Texas) (map)