Texas is one of two states in the U.S. that has a bifurcated superior court structure. At the highest level, there are two superior courts. The Supreme Court of Texas (SCOTX) is the court of last resort for civil matters (including juvenile delinquency cases, which are categorized as civil under the Texas Family Code) in the state of Texas. While a different court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA), is the court of last resort in criminal matters. (Justice Brian Walker's father, Judge Scott Walker, serves on the CCA.)

Both the Texas Supreme Court and the CCA sit and preside at the Supreme Court Building on the State Capitol grounds in downtown Austin, Texas.

The Texas Supreme Court consists of a Chief Justice and eight associate justices. All nine positions are elected, with a term of office of six years and no term limit.

Being the oldest court in Texas, the Texas Supreme Court was established in 1846 to replace the Supreme Court of the Texas Republic.

Although Justice Walker is running specifically for Place Four on the Texas Supreme Court, all nine seats on the court are elected in state-wide elections.