Chief Justice Bonnie Sudderth 

Bonnie earned a bachelor's degree in public affairs and public administration from the University of Southern California and a law degree from the University of Texas,

Bonnie currently works as a law professor.

Bonnie Sudderth is a chief justice of the 2nd Division of the Court of Appeals. She was appointed to the court in 2015 and appointed as chief justice in 2017. She was re-elected as chief justice in 2018 and is serving her 2nd term. She previously served as a district court judge and municipal court judge.

As a state court of appeals judge, ensures the law has been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases, exercises the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of fact or law by lower appeals and trial courts, and hears applications for court orders that compel and prohibit certain actions by lower courts and government officials.

As a state district court judge, oversaw all felony, probate, and civil cases, ruled in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorized naturalization proceedings, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As a municipal court judge, oversaw cases involving traffic offenses and local ordinance violations, conducted preliminary hearings in criminal cases, issued search and arrest warrants, and determined sentencing in certain minor criminal cases.

- As a state court of appeals judge, ensures the law has been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases, exercises the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of fact or law by lower appeals and trial courts, and hears applications for court orders that compel and prohibit certain actions by lower courts and government officials.
- As a state district court judge, oversaw all felony, probate, and civil cases, ruled in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorized naturalization proceedings, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As a municipal court judge, oversaw cases involving traffic offenses and local ordinance violations, conducted preliminary hearings in criminal cases, issued search and arrest warrants, and determined sentencing in certain minor criminal cases.

Legal Experience

As of September 7, 2024, Bonnie Sudderth’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Candidate website

Served as a Commissioner on the state Judicial Conduct Commission, which is the disciplinary agency for all judges throughout Texas.

Served as a commissioner for the state Judicial Conduct Commission, which is the disciplinary entity for all judges in the state.

- Served as a commissioner for the state Judicial Conduct Commission, which is the disciplinary entity for all judges in the state.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Bonnie Sudderth

Bonnie holds a bachelor's degree in public affairs and public administration from the University of Southern California and a law degree from the University of Texas,

Bonnie currently works as a law professor. She previously worked as a district court judge and municipal court judge.

Bonnie Sudderth currently serves as Chief Justice of the 2nd Division of the Court of Appeals. She was appointed to the court in 2015 and appointed as chief justice in 2017. She was re-elected as chief justice in 2018 and is serving her 2nd term.

Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Supports having seven justices on the court, with one designated as Chief Justice.

Believes the 2nd Court of Appeals of Fort Worth, Texas, which hears appeals from district and county courts in a 12-county region in North Texas, is essential for regional judicial oversight.

Believes the Second Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over a wide range of cases, including civil appeals with judgments over $250, all criminal appeals except death penalty cases, and original proceedings like writs of mandamus and habeas corpus from district and county courts in its service area.

Supports fair and impartial handling of civil and criminal cases.

Believes in ensuring judicial fairness without taxpayer expense.

Supports compliance with the Judicial Fairness Act by voluntarily limiting campaign advertisement spending and ensuring no taxpayer funds are used for campaign purposes.

As of September 12, 2024, Bonnie Sudderth’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Bonnie Sudderth currently serves as Chief Justice of the Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth, Texas. She began her judicial career as Chief Judge of the Fort Worth Municipal Courts and later served on the 352nd District Court bench. She was appointed to the Second Court of Appeals by Governor Rick Perry and later appointed as Chief Justice by Governor Greg Abbott.

Bonnie Sudderth has served as Chief Justice of the Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth, Texas since October 5, 2017. She was appointed to the Second Court of Appeals by Governor Rick Perry in 2015 and later appointed as Chief Justice by Governor Greg Abbott. Sudderth previously ran for and won a seat on the 352nd District Court bench in 1996. She has served on the Pattern Jury Charge Committee and the state Judicial Conduct Commission.

- In Texas, appeals from district and county courts, except death penalty cases, go to one of 14 intermediate courts of appeal.
- The chief justice presides over court meetings, manages the court's administration, and has the authority to assign justices or judges to specific cases.
- Justices are elected in partisan elections for six-year terms.
- The yearly salary for a Court of Appeals justice in Texas is between $192,500 and $255,050 based on the total number of years they have served, plus an additional bonus of $13,475 for Chief Justice duties.

Oversees a court that handles appeals of lower trial court decisions.