Nearly every term, justices on the Texas Supreme Court — either by writing significant opinions or through behind-the-scenes leadership — will distinguish themselves. Yet the most significant player during the 2000-2001 term was not an individual justice, but the empty seats they left behind on the high court. During the term, Alberto Gonzales left the court to become President George W. Bush’s White House counsel; Priscilla Owen was nominated by Bush to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals; Greg Abbott resigned to run for Texas attorney general; James Baker announced he would retire at the end of his term; and Deborah Hankinson announced she would not seek re-election.
Never in the recent history of the court have so many justices announced they were seeking employment elsewhere. This circumstance has created the first potential for a philosophical shift on the court since the mid-’90s when appointees of then-Gov. George W. Bush formed a powerful moderate coalition.
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