HBA Law Week 2026
The Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library joins the Houston Bar Association and other legal organizations across the state in celebrating Law Week 2026. This year’s theme, “The Texas Constitution and the Rule of Law,” carries special significance, as 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the current Texas Constitution, which took effect on February 15, 1876.
For a century and a half, the Texas Constitution has served as the foundational legal document governing the State of Texas. Yet it is not a static document. Texans have amended the Constitution hundreds of times since its adoption, reflecting the idea that the highest law of the state ultimately remains in the hands of the people. That continued process of revision and public participation is itself an important expression of democratic governance and the rule of law.
Image Source: University of Texas, Tarlton Law Library
The Texas Constitution shapes daily life in ways many people may not immediately recognize. It not only contains its own Bill of Rights in Article I, protecting essential individual liberties, but also establishes the structure of Texas government and defines the powers and responsibilities of state and local institutions. It determines what authority belongs to the government, what rights are retained by individual citizens, and how the balance of power is maintained among branches of government.
In this way, the Constitution serves as an essential tool of the rule of law in Texas.
At its core, the rule of law means that laws—not individuals—govern society. It reflects the principle that legal rules should be applied consistently, transparently, and fairly. The rule of law protects against arbitrary power, promotes accountability, and helps ensure that rights and responsibilities are understood within a stable legal framework.
But these principles depend on something equally important: access.
Access to Justice
The Texas Constitution begins from the principle that political power is inherent in the people. But meaningful participation in civic and legal systems requires more than laws written on paper. It requires the practical ability to access, understand, and engage with the systems that govern our lives.
As we celebrate Law Week 2026, the 150th anniversary of the Texas Constitution offers an opportunity not only to reflect on the enduring importance of constitutional government, but also to recognize the continuing work of ensuring that justice remains accessible to all Texans.
The Constitution provides the framework. Access to justice helps open the door.