Harris County Judges Go Before Commissioners Court requesting Four New Courts are Built

Harris County criminal court judges appeared before the Commissioners Court to request the creation of four additional criminal district courts. This proposal aims to tackle the county's escalating challenges, including a growing population, rising crime rates, and a persistent criminal case backlog. Harris County, with a population now exceeding 4.8 million, has seen a significant increase in criminal cases, with over 150,000 cases filed across its courts in 2023 alone. The existing 22 criminal district courts, unchanged since 1984, are struggling to keep pace, resulting in a backlog that hovers around 100,000 pending cases, a figure compounded by disruptions like Hurricane Harvey, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other natural disasters.

The judges argue that the additional courts would help alleviate the strain on the judicial system, where each court currently handles an average of over 2,000 cases annually. This overload has led to delays in justice, with some cases lingering for over a year, impacting victims, defendants, and public safety. The rise in violent crime, including a notable increase in murder cases (from 250 in 2017 to 505 in 2022), underscores the urgency of the request. While six new felony courts were added in 2023, the judges emphasized that this has not been sufficient to address the full scope of the criminal justice system's needs.

Under the Texas Constitution, only the state legislature can authorize new district courts, requiring a bill to be passed and signed by the governor. If approved, Harris County would need to fund the courtrooms, staff, and operational costs, estimated at roughly $650,000 per court annually—totaling about $2.6 million for four courts. The judges contend that this investment could ultimately save money by reducing incarceration costs (approximately $100 per day per inmate) and improving judicial efficiency. However, the Commissioners Court has not yet voted on supporting this request, and logistical questions, such as courtroom space and precise funding, remain unresolved. The proposal reflects a broader push to balance the county's judicial resources with its growing demands, though it awaits further deliberation and state-level action.