Brittanye Morris or the upsurge of a experienced judge in Houston: A large part of Brittanye’s legal practice has included representing clients in courtrooms throughout the Houston area. It was during this representation that Brittanye witnessed some of the glaring issues with our legal system and the judges elected to represent our interests. Instead of being accessible to all and servants of the people, the courtrooms (and justice) seemed to favor individuals with connections and financial resources. Many litigants, especially hard-working individuals struggling to make ends meet, were often put in the unfair and unjust position of having to choose between access to justice and not missing work. These same litigants were talked down to and dismissed by the very judges they elected. Meanwhile, people that could afford attorneys were often provided more respect and seen by the judges first, many times without the person having to miss work to appear in court. Discover extra details on .
Brittanye’s decision to run for judge is guided by one main principle: justice for all. Our legal system, courtrooms, and judges are tools meant to ensure justice for all…not just the rich, or the connected, or those that can afford an attorney. Our judges, as administrators of the courtrooms and legal system, are there to ensure that each and every Harris County resident has an equal opportunity at justice. Residents should not have to choose between missing valuable work hours to care for their families, and sitting in a courtroom all day waiting for their name to be called. Our legal system and courtrooms should be fair, accessible, and, most importantly, transparent. Our judges should be fair and impartial. If Brittanye is fortunate enough to earn your vote, Brittanye promises that her courtroom will remain fair, accessible, and transparent for all litigants. As your judge, Brittanye promises to ensure that she and her courtroom will be fair to all, accessible to all, and transparent to all, with the ultimate goal of ensuring justice for all.
Morris entered the Democratic Primary race for the judgeship against incumbent Daryl Moore. She defeated Moore on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, topping him by a landslide 56,175 votes. This sizable victory highlights Morris’s own efforts as a competent conduit for justice. It also highlights the overwhelming support she’s earned from her local community. She brings fresh eyes, grit, and a wealth of life experience to the bench. Seated before a soul food feast at iconic Harlem eatery Sylvia’s Restaurant, Morris recounted her incredible journey with vigor.
Morris’s mother was an educator in the public school system, and her father a police lieutenant. An achiever since childhood, Morris earned her Bachelor’s in Political Science with a minor in History from the University of Houston, and her Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at the prestigious Texas Southern University.
For those looking to leave their own positive mark on history, Morris offered, “Be open. That’s the biggest advice I can give to anybody… It’s those opportunities, those possibilities and those twists and turns that get you where you ultimately need to be.” It’s how she managed to overcome every challenge she’s faced so far. It’s how she’ll successfully overcome those that still lie ahead.
Morris’s experience-rich background lends a core competency to her legal expertise. “I’ve been through situations to where you’re working the best you can, and for whatever reason, your ends don’t meet,” Morris recalled. “That’s a different perspective than someone who had a life where things were afforded to them.” Harris County is the third most populous county in the United States. The Houston Metropolitan area needs genuine, representative leadership just like any East Coast hamlet or bread basket village. “The pendulum is shifting,” Morris noted. “In our community in particular, more and more people are wanting more representation. More and more people are wanting more diversity on the bench.”
She pointed out that “when you think about the Greats of any time, they weren’t Great at their time. It wasn’t until long after they left this Earth that they became historical icons.” Rather than worrying about how history might remember her, Morris focuses her energy where it’s feasibly useful instead. “I really feel like representation matters, and certain voices have been marginalized,” Morris said. “But at the end of the day, for me, it’s very important just to live in a way that I’ll be proud of and my children will be proud of.”