Texas Federal Courts for Civil Rights Cases
Texas has four federal judicial districts: Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western. Each is divided into divisions by county, and each sends its appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. §1983 are often filed in these courts.
The four districts
- Northern District of Texas (N.D. Tex.): Dallas, Fort Worth, Abilene, San Angelo, Amarillo, Wichita Falls, Lubbock divisions.
- Southern District of Texas (S.D. Tex.): Galveston, Houston, Laredo, Brownsville, Victoria, Corpus Christi, McAllen divisions.
- Eastern District of Texas (E.D. Tex.): Tyler, Beaumont, Sherman, Marshall, Texarkana, Lufkin divisions.
- Western District of Texas (W.D. Tex.): Austin, Waco, El Paso, San Antonio, Del Rio, Pecos, Midland-Odessa divisions.
Division and county assignments come from 28 U.S.C. §124. Each district page lists its divisions, courthouse cities, and counties.
Which court hears a case
Federal district courts hear civil actions arising under federal law (28 U.S.C. §1331), including §1983 civil rights claims. Where a case is filed (its venue) usually depends on where the events took place and where the defendants reside. Some claims against Texas officials may also be brought in state court, and defendants can sometimes remove a state-court case to federal court.
Appeals to the Fifth Circuit
Final decisions of all four Texas districts are appealed to the Fifth Circuit (28 U.S.C. §§41, 1291). Fifth Circuit decisions bind the federal district courts in Texas, which is why its precedent matters so much in qualified immunity cases. Our appeals page explains the appellate process.
Guides for federal civil rights cases
- Section 1983 and police misconduct overview
- Excessive force
- False arrest
- First Amendment retaliation
- Qualified immunity
- Suing a city or county (Monell)
- §1983 deadlines in Texas
Grable PLLC is based in San Antonio and represents clients in matters across Texas. Selected results appear on the Eastern District and Western District pages and on our case results page.
This page is general information about Texas and federal law, not legal advice for your situation. Laws and court decisions change, and every case turns on its own facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many federal districts are in Texas?
Four: the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas, each divided into divisions under 28 U.S.C. §124.
Where do appeals from Texas federal courts go?
To the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which also hears appeals from Louisiana and Mississippi.
Talk With Grable PLLC
If you believe a Texas officer or government agency violated your civil rights, contact Grable PLLC to discuss your situation. Filing deadlines apply, so it helps to reach out sooner rather than later.