On January 13th, the Supreme Court of Texas celebrated its 170th anniversary. A special open session of the Court, where the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society observed its 20th anniversary, was followed by a reception at the Texas Law Center. Roland K. Johnson, president of the State Bar of Texas, and Larry McNeill, president of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society, spoke. Each emphasized how much history the Court has seen—and made— in the 170 years it has served the people of Texas. Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson and Senior Justice Nathan Hecht responded on behalf of the court.
The inaugural term of the Texas Supreme Court began on January 13, 1840, and lasted two weeks. The Texas Supreme Court Historical Society was established on January 13, 1990 to preserve the legacy of the state’s highest court.