About Judge Baird

(Please select from the options below)

1. Message from Judge Baird
2. Biographical Sketch
3. Significant Cases and Editorials

Dear Travis County Citizen:

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the 299th District Court.

Qualifications

I have been a trial and appellate judge for fifteen years, and have written more than 1,000 judicial opinions. I have been a professor of law, teaching courses in criminal law and procedure, capital punishment, appellate remedies, and trial advocacy. I have written law review articles, and have spoken across the country on many different criminal law topics. In addition to my Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law, I received a Masters of Law in Judicial Process from the University of Virginia in 1995.

Principles

On a personal level, I believe strongly in the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Texas, and the sacred liberties guaranteed to us all. At the same time, I realize that unfortunately we live in a society with violent and dangerous individuals who do not respect our laws and the safety of others. Those individuals must be effectively dealt with by the criminal justice system to insure that Travis County is safe for everyone. I believe that everyone who appears in court, whether they are victims, defendants, witnesses, jurors or lawyers, should be treated with dignity and respect. Finally, I believe judges should work hard to insure the cases are handled in a fair, responsible, impartial and judicious manner.

Commitment

We are lucky to live in a county with a strong and qualified judiciary. I appreciate the opportunity to dedicate my experience and qualifications to the people of Travis County.

Sincerely,