Section History

The Constitutional Law Section of the State Bar of Texas was founded in 1971 and has served Texas lawyers interested in constitutional law and civil liberties for more than five decades.

Originally known as the Individual Rights and Responsibilities Section, the Section later became the Civil Liberties & Civil Rights Section, a name that reflected its longstanding focus on those areas and its relationship with the Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights. Over time, the Section’s programming grew to encompass other areas of constitutional law.

In 2026, the Section adopted its current name, the Constitutional Law Section, to more accurately reflect its programming and membership. Today, the Section brings together judges, practitioners, scholars, and students interested in the United States and Texas Constitutions, from constitutional rights and liberties to federalism, separation of powers, constitutional interpretation, and the role of courts.

The Section continues its longstanding programs, including the annual Bill of Rights: Litigating the Constitution Course and supporting the Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights, while expanding its programming to reflect the broader field of constitutional law.