County Judges
Cochran County, Texas
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Cochran County Judges
In early constitutions, the county judge was
called "chief justice" and was appointed to
a four year term by the Congress of
the Republic of Texas.
In 1841 the office of chief justice was made
elective and in the constitutions of 1845
and 1861 the term of office was shortened
to two years.Under the Constitution of 1866
the title of chief justice was changed to
county judge and the term of office was
again set at four years. The office was
abolished under the Constitution of 1869
and reestablished by the Constitution of 1876 with an elective two year term. In
1954 a constitutional amendment passed
increasing the term of office once again to
four years. The county judge serves as both the
presiding officer of the commissioners
court and judge of the county court. The
judge's duties vary depending on the
population fo the county he serves. Judges of
rural counties, such as Cochran County,
have broader judicial responsibilities.
If you know of an official that is not listed here, or if you have photos, maps, documents or stories you would like to share, please, email me!
Sources: Texas State Historical Association and Texas Association of Counties