Richard W. Lee, Petitioners v. the City of Houston, Respondents

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that the Fire Fighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Act applies to any position that requires a competitive examination testing knowledge of police work and work in the police department, and therefore the City of Houston’s placement of unclassified civilians in supervisory positions that meet this standard violated the Act. The court reversed the Court of Appeals judgment and remanded for entry of judgment consistent with this holding. Justice GONZALEZ dissented, arguing the Act should be limited to positions involving traditional law‑enforcement duties.