District courts are courts of general jurisdiction. Article V, Section 8 of the Texas Constitution extends a district court's potential jurisdiction relative by excluding any matters in which exclusive, appellate, or original jurisdiction is conferred by law upon some other court.

The district courts also have jurisdiction in civil matters with a minimum monetary limit but no maximum limit. In those counties having statutory county courts, the district courts generally have exclusion jurisdiction in civil cases where the amount in controversy is $100,000 or more, and concurrent jurisdiction with the statutory county courts in cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $500 but is less than $100,000.

In addition, district courts have the power to issue writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, injunction, certiorari, sequestration, attachment, garnishment, and all writs necessary to enforce their jurisdiction. Appeals from judgements of the district courts are to the courts of appeals.