Fairness Without Bias

Fairness in the courtroom is not a slogan. It is a responsibility.

For judges, fairness means approaching every case with an open mind, reviewing the facts and the law carefully, and making decisions without bias, favoritism, or political influence. It means applying the law equally no matter who appears before the court.

That principle is especially important on an appellate court. The Thirteenth Court of Appeals reviews legal decisions from lower courts. Appellate justices must study the record, review the arguments, and determine whether the law was correctly applied. Their role is not to make policy or follow politics. Their role is to apply the law.

Justice Clarissa Silva has built her career around that standard. From her service as a prosecutor handling juvenile matters and cases involving vulnerable Texans to her work on the Thirteenth Court of Appeals, she has remained committed to fairness, professionalism, and respect for the rule of law.

Fairness without bias also requires judicial independence. Voters should be able to trust that judges will decide cases based on the Constitution, the law, and the record before them. Public confidence in the courts depends on that trust.Justice Silva believes every person deserves equal justice and every case deserves careful consideration. Her record on the bench reflects a steady commitment to impartial decision-making, thoughtful review, and the fair application of the law across South Texas.