Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock is demanding answers from a Dallas judge over a courtroom mask mandate that has sparked allegations of unlawful restrictions on public access to court proceedings.
In a letter sent to Dallas County Court at Law No. 1 Judge D’Metria Benson, Blacklock questioned whether she has any legal authority to require masks and health disclosures from individuals entering her courtroom.
“It has come to my attention that you may be requiring people entering your courtroom to wear facemasks and to divulge intimate information about their health,” Blacklock wrote. “I am aware of no legitimate basis on which a Texas judge may condition a person’s presence in a courtroom on a mask requirement or on a heightened health screening.”
Blacklock cited the Texas Constitution’s guarantee that “all courts shall be open” and instructed Benson to either clarify that no such requirements exist or explain why the Texas Supreme Court should not order the policy withdrawn. He requested a response by 5 p.m. Friday.
The letter follows a report by The Texas Lawbook detailing a challenge filed by attorney Scott Frenkel, who alleged Benson continued enforcing COVID-era masking rules long after the Texas Supreme Court ended statewide emergency orders in 2023. According to the complaint, attorneys, jurors, witnesses, and courtroom visitors were required to wear masks under threat of contempt.
Frenkel’s attorney argued the policy lacks legal authority and interferes with courtroom proceedings, including jurors’ ability to assess witness credibility.
When contacted by Texas Scorecard, Benson’s office said the judge had “no additional comment.”
Benson was defeated in the Democrat primary in March and will leave office in January.
