The Texas Supreme Court is the court of last resort for non-criminal matters in the state of Texas.  Additionally, it is also the court of last resort for juvenile delinquency which the law considers to be a civil matter and not criminal.  Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, a different Court, is the Court of last resort for criminal matters.  The Supreme Court shall consist of the Chief Justice and eight Justices, any five of whom shall constitute a quorum, and the concurrence of five shall be necessary to decide a case.  The Justices of the Supreme Court are elected to staggered six-year terms in state-wide elections.  When a vacancy arises, the Governor may appoint a Justice, subject to Senate confirmation, to serve out the remainder of an unexpired term until the next general election.  All members of the Court must be at least 35 years of age, a citizen of Texas, licensed to practice law in Texas, and must have practiced law for at least ten years.  As provided in Section 3, Article V Texas Constitution, the Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over all cases except in criminal law matters and as otherwise provided in this Constitution or by law.  The Supreme Court and the Justices thereof shall have power to issue writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, procedendo, certiorari and such other writs, as may be necessary to enforce its jurisdiction.  The Legislature may confer original jurisdiction on the Supreme Court to issue writs of quo warranto and mandamus in such cases as may be specified, except as against the Governor of the State.  Furthermore, the Supreme Court shall also have power, upon affidavit or otherwise as by the Court may be determined, to ascertain such matters of fact as may be necessary to the proper exercise of its jurisdiction.

Texas Supreme Court Website

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Website