First African-American Justice In The State Of Texas

Meet the first African-American to serve on the Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson. said who takes over office effective October 1.

Jefferson, 50, was appointed to the court by Governor Rick Perry in 2001 who named him chief justice in 2004, before joining the state Supreme Court, Jefferson practised appellate law with a San Antonio firm. He has not decided what he will do after he steps down, the court said in a statement.

During his tenure as chief justice, the Texas Supreme Court began allowing cameras for live coverage of oral arguments and requiring lawyers to file appellate briefs electronically that are available to the public through the court's website.