Elma Salinas Ender facts for kids

Elma Teresa Ender (née Salinas; born August 11, 1953) is an American attorney. She made history as the youngest woman and the first Hispanic female to become a state district court judge in Texas, a state in the United States.

In 1983, the Governor at the time, Mark Wells White, chose her for a new judicial position. This was for the 341st Judicial District, located in her hometown of Laredo. Judge Salinas served in this role for twenty-nine years. She announced her retirement in 2011, which became official on December 31, 2012. She holds the record for the longest service among judges in Webb County's state courts.

About Elma Salinas Ender

Elma Ender is the youngest of three children. Her parents were Oscar David Salinas, Sr., and Elma Lopez. Her mother worked for many years in the Webb County tax office. Elma has two brothers, Oscar David Salinas Jr. and Juan Alberto Salinas.

Education and Early Life

Elma Ender finished high school in 1970 at J. W. Nixon High School in Laredo. She then went to the University of Texas at Austin. In 1974, she earned her college degree in accounting and Spanish. Later, in 1978, she earned her law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio. This degree is called a Juris Doctor.

Serving as a Judge

Elma Ender shared that she did not know she would be the first Hispanic woman to serve as a state district court judge in Texas. She remembered that Governor Mark White made sure to appoint people who represented the population of Texas.

Judicial Responsibilities

When she first started, her duties included handling cases related to juvenile law. These are legal matters involving young people. Appeals from these cases go directly to the Texas Supreme Court.

In the 1990s, she supported new laws proposed by Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock. These laws aimed to make public school classes smaller and to test students for learning disabilities. Judge Ender also helped fight for the creation of Texas A&M International University. This is a four-year university located in Laredo.

Elections and Retirement

In 1984, Judge Ender was elected for her first four-year term as a judge. She was reelected many times without anyone running against her. She served as the main administrative judge for the Webb County district courts.

She decided not to run for an eighth term in 2012. Another Hispanic woman, Beckie Palomo, was chosen by voters for the 341st Judicial District. Palomo did not face any opposition in the general election.

Important Court Cases

In 2011, Judge Ender made a decision during a jury selection process. She did not allow the family of a person on trial to watch the jury being chosen. She explained that this was due to fire safety rules and not enough space in the courtroom.

Later, in 2013, after Judge Ender had retired, a higher court reviewed this decision. The Texas Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio ruled that her decision had affected the person's rights. They said that everyone has a right to a public trial under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The appeals court ordered a new trial. They said Judge Ender should have found a way for the family to observe the process. The court explained that trials should be public, not private events.

Personal Life and Honors

Elma Ender's husband is David Allen Ender. They married in 1986 and have two daughters.

In 2002, Rotary International honored Judge Ender by naming her a Paul Harris Fellow. In 2012, the Laredo Morning Times newspaper named her "Laredoan of the Year."

See also

• List of Hispanic and Latino American jurists