Texas Appeals Courtroom

Overview

The Texas judicial branch once heard cases in the Capitol. The Court of Appeals met in a room on the third floor north wing until 1891 when a constitutional amendment split the duties. The Court of Criminal Appeals continued to meet in the room and the new Court of Civil Appeals resided in several Texas cities. In contrast to the Supreme Courtroom across the hall, the Criminal Appeals Courtroom received oak furnishings, a simpler rostrum and no drapery treatment. The 1990s building restoration returned the courtroom to its c. 1910 appearance. Preservationists fabricated a custom woven carpet to match the original Brussels carpet. Like the original, experts wove the carpet in 27 inch-wide strips and hand seamed it on site. The Courtroom now serves as a meeting room.