---
title: "Shelton T. W. Gibbs, IV | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/shelton-t-w-gibbs-iv"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Shelton T. W. Gibbs, IV

Texas 422nd District Court · District Judge

## Profile

- Court: Texas 422nd District Court
- State: Texas
- Role: District Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-25

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### civil remote appearances

Scope: statewide

In civil district and county court proceedings, the court may permit or require electronic participation after appropriate notice; compelled electronic participation for oral-testimony proceedings requires good cause or party agreement, and a jury trial requires party agreement.

Evidence excerpt: Upon appropriate notice by a party or the court, a court may allow or require a participant to appear at a court proceeding by videoconference, teleconference, or other available electronic means, except as otherwise provided in (2).

[Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### civil recording and broadcasting

Scope: statewide

Civil district and county trial courts may permit courtroom recording or broadcasting only under Supreme Court guidelines, with the required party and witness consent, or for ceremonial proceedings.

Evidence excerpt: A trial court may permit broadcasting, televising, recording, or photographing of proceedings in the courtroom only in the following circumstances:

[Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 18c, Recording and Broadcasting of Court Proceedings](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://card.txcourts.gov/directorysearch.aspx)
- [Official roster](https://card.txcourts.gov/directorysearch.aspx)
- [Texas Office of Court Administration official judicial roster](https://card.txcourts.gov/directorysearch.aspx)
- [Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf)
- [Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 18c, Recording and Broadcasting of Court Proceedings](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Shelton T.W. Gibbs, IV is the elected Judge of the 422nd District Court in Kaufman County, Texas, and the county’s first African American district judge

### Education

- Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law – J.D., 2005; legal intern at Belo Corporation
- Abilene Christian University – B.S. in Political Science, Summa Cum Laude, 2002
- Southwestern Christian College – A.S. in 2000, valedictorian

### Additional information

- His term runs through December 31, 2028.
- He has been recognized as Outstanding Alumnus of the Year by Abilene Christian University (2021).
- Judge Gibbs was elected on July 14, 2020 and sworn in January 1, 2021, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. B. Michael Chitty.
- Terrell High School – Graduated 1998 with honors
- He presides over cases in the 422nd District Court, including commercial matters, debt/contract disputes, and other civil cases.
- Before becoming a judge, Gibbs served 13 years as Assistant District Attorney for Kaufman County, where he was Chief Felony Prosecutor for the 86th District Court.
- He tried over 60 jury cases to verdict, led training for the Texas District & County Attorneys Association, and was recognized for his leadership and legal expertise.
- Gibbs serves on the Board of Trustees for Abilene Christian University and is active with the Terrell Excellence Foundation and Senior Connect Board.
- He is also a Family Life Minister at the Greenville Ave.
- Church of Christ in Dallas.
- Born and raised in Terrell, Texas, Gibbs is married to Toni Francine Gibbs and is the father of three children.
- He is a registered Republican.



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-119ce7e69a3752f1da3cfce0) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.
- [Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-a5f587f769df9f3231ef4f9a) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.