Willett, Blacklock take oaths

Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett was sworn in to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals today at the Texas Supreme Court in Austin. James Davis Blacklock, Willett’s replacement on the Supreme Court, was also sworn in.

Willett, who was nominated to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by President Donald J. Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, took the oath of office from Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht.

“A strong judiciary is indeed essential to a strong state and to a strong United States,” Willett said in remarks after taking the oath of office. “My title today has changed from justice to judge, but my task has not—judging according to the rule of law, a sacred trust.”

U.S. Senator John Cornyn gave remarks to the guests in attendance, which included some members of the 5th Circuit, the Texas Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas, and friends and family.

Willett served for 12 years on the Texas Supreme Court and is replaced by James Davis Blacklock, who was appointed to the court by Gov. Greg Abbott. Blacklock, who most recently served as the governor’s general counsel, took the oath of office from Abbott, who spoke of Blacklock’s gifted qualities as a lawyer.