Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today praised the Texas Supreme Court for ruling that the Travis County District Court improperly issued a temporary restraining order against Governor Abbott’s Executive Order (GA 13), which prevents the release of potentially dangerous individuals from Texas jails. The ruling states that district courts do not have the jurisdiction to block Executive Order GA 13 with temporary restraining orders.
“The Texas Supreme Court’s decision rightfully protects the health and safety of Texans from the unlawful release of potentially thousands of dangerous individuals into our communities. The court’s ruling rightly upholds the rule of law and maintains the integrity of our criminal justice system,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Texans must continue to work together to protect our communities during this unprecedented health crisis.”
Last week, Attorney General Paxton also successfully blocked improper inmate releases in Harris County. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Houston denied temporary restraining orders and prevented the release of thousands of potentially dangerous inmates in Harris County, including those charged with violent crimes or who have a violent criminal history.
Read a copy of the opinion here.
For information on the spread or treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.