The Two Most Overlooked Rights in the Texas Constitution: Article 1, Section 13 & Section 19

Most Texans don’t realize this, but the two most powerful protections you have against unfair government action are right inside the Texas Constitution.

Article 1, Section 13 — Open Courts

This section guarantees you:

• Access to a real court

• A real remedy for any injury

• A fair opportunity to present your case

• Protection from government barriers that block justice

It means the government cannot shut you out, silence you, or deny your chance to be heard.

Article 1, Section 19 — Due Course of Law

This is Texas’ version of due process.

It says no Texan can be deprived of:

• Life

• Liberty

• Property

…without fair procedures and constitutional protections.

Section 19 demands:

• Fair hearings

• Honest procedures

• Transparent processes

• A government that follows the law, not bypasses it

These two sections work together to protect you every time an appraisal district, board, or agency acts unfairly.

You may not know your rights — but the Constitution still protects you