By: Cain H.R. No. 132 R E S O L U T I O N A RESOLUTION IMPEACHING CHRIS MORTON, DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE 230TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS, AND PREFERRING ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT AGAINST HIM BE IT RESOLVED, by the House of Representatives of the State of Texas, That Chris Morton, judge of the district court for the 230th Judicial District of Harris County, Texas, is impeached and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the senate: Articles of impeachment exhibited by the House of Representatives of the State of Texas in the name of itself and of all the people of the State of Texas against Chris Morton, judge of the district court for the 230th Judicial District of Harris County, Texas, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him. ARTICLE I While holding office as district judge for the 230th Judicial District of Harris County, Texas, Chris Morton exceeded his jurisdiction by entertaining writs of habeas corpus filed by, or entering orders discharging certain state representatives from arrest for breaking quorum, who were not detained or restrained in their liberty in Harris County. ARTICLE II While holding office as district judge for the 230th Judicial District of Harris County, Texas, Chris Morton violated separation of powers, entertained political questions, disregarded explicit constitutional authority, and demonstrated conduct unbecoming a judge by allowing partisan interests to make rulings inconsistent with governing law in relation to writs of habeas corpus filed by multiple state representatives. In all of this, Chris Morton has acted in a manner contrary to the trust reposed in him as district judge and is guilty of exceeding the authority of his office, violating the duties of his office, ignoring the constitution, and violating certain provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct. By such conduct he has rendered himself unfit to hold office of judge of the district court for the 230th Judicial District of Harris County, Texas, and he warrants a trial and conviction, removal from office, and disqualification from holding any future office in this state, and the house of representatives, saving to itself the liberty to exhibit additional articles of impeachment against Chris Morton at any future date, if it decides any are necessary, requests that Chris Morton be required to answer the articles of impeachment against him.