Chief Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District
Sarah Beth Landau
Democrat
Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I served as a justice on the First Court of Appeals from 2019 to 2024. Before the bench, I handled over 400 appeals in state and federal courts. I also had a federal judicial clerkship.
Ethics
How will you ensure your rulings remain impartial and free from both political pressure and the interests of your campaign donors?
I black out the names of the attorneys when I review the briefs and records to stay neutral. In every case, one person is happy and the other unhappy so I am used to disappointing the losing side. Because I spent most of my career as a public defender, I am very independent and do what is right regardless of the consequences.
Equity
What barriers prevent Texans from accessing the court system, and what can courts do to reduce those barriers?
The cost of representation is a huge barrier to civil litigants. I think the State Bar and the Houston Bar Association do a lot to improve access but we can always do more. The courts can partner with these organizations to identify cases that would qualify for pro bono or low bono representation and connect litigants with appellate resources.
Precedent
: What factors should the Court of Appeals consider when deciding whether to change a past court ruling?
The Court of Appeals must act en banc or as a whole to change the law, otherwise it remains binding. If the past court ruling is difficult for trial courts to apply or has other unforseen consequences, that might be a basis to change it. Guidance from higher courts might also be a basis to change a past court ruling.other areas of the law; and the absence of reliance on, or support by, other courts.
Philosophy
What is your judicial philosophy?
I am a fan of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s promise to “get it right and keep it tight.”
