Definition
Paul W. Green is an American jurist who served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas from 2000 until his retirement in 2021.
Overview
Born in 1952, Green earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law in 1977. After private practice, he was elected as a judge of the 336th Judicial District Court in Dallas County, serving from 1990 to 1998. In 1998, Governor George W. Bush appointed him to the Texas Court of Appeals, Fourth District, where he served until his elevation to the state’s highest court.
In January 2000, Governor Bush appointed Green to the Texas Supreme Court to fill a vacancy. He was subsequently elected to a full six‑year term in 2002 and was re‑elected in 2008 and 2014. During his tenure, Justice Green authored opinions on a wide range of civil and criminal law issues, including cases involving tort law, property rights, and procedural matters. He was known for a generally conservative judicial philosophy and frequently aligned with the court’s majority bloc.
Justice Green announced his retirement effective January 2021. He was succeeded by a newly appointed justice following the standard selection process for the Texas Supreme Court.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Paul” derives from the Roman family name Paulus, meaning “small” or “humble.” The middle initial “W.” stands for “Wesley,” a name of English origin meaning “western meadow.” The surname “Green” is an English occupational or descriptive name, historically referring to someone who lived near a village green or who wore green clothing.
Characteristics
- Judicial Philosophy: Conservative, often emphasizing strict statutory interpretation and deference to legislative intent.
- Professional Affiliations: Member of the State Bar of Texas; affiliated with the Texas Judicial Conference.
- Public Service: In addition to judicial duties, Green participated in various legal education initiatives and served on committees addressing court administration and ethics.
- Publications: Authored several law review articles on procedural law and appellate practice.
Related Topics
- Supreme Court of Texas
- Texas judicial system
- George W. Bush (Governor of Texas, appointing authority)
- Texas Court of Appeals, Fourth District
- Judicial philosophy (Conservatism)
- Legal education at the University of Texas School of Law