A group of five Texas district attorneys (DAs) are challenging Attorney General Ken Paxton in court over a recently enacted rule. This rule mandates that the DAs provide Paxton's office with access to their case records. The DAs, representing various counties across Texas, claim the rule is an overreach of power and threatens their ability to independently prosecute cases.
The lawsuit alleges that the new rule violates the separation of powers and could potentially expose confidential information, including details about ongoing investigations and the identities of victims. The DAs argue that such broad access could hinder their ability to effectively pursue justice and maintain the integrity of the legal process.
Attorney General Paxton's office has responded by stating that the rule is intended to provide necessary oversight and ensure uniformity in the application of Texas law. They maintain that the access is crucial for identifying potential inconsistencies and ensuring that justice is served fairly across the state. The legal battle is expected to be lengthy and could have significant implications for the balance of power between the Attorney General's office and local prosecutors in Texas.
Texas DAs Sue AG Paxton Over Case Record Access Rule
Five Texas district attorneys have filed a lawsuit against Attorney General Ken Paxton regarding a new rule that grants him access to their case files. The DAs argue that the rule oversteps Paxton's authority and infringes on their prosecutorial independence. The lawsuit claims the rule could compromise ongoing investigations and sensitive victim information. Paxton's office defends the rule as necessary oversight to ensure consistent application of the law.