Harris County v. John S. Stewart.

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court answered five certified questions, holding that Harris County is not liable for the City Attorney’s fees because no lawful conviction existed; that the City Attorney of Houston has a statutory duty to represent the State in Recorder’s Court; that the City Attorney is entitled to the same fees as district or county attorneys for such representation; that the City Recorder has jurisdiction comparable to a justice of the peace; and that lack of a formal judgment voids any claim to fees. The Court affirmed the lower court’s denial of the fee claim.