What Is Meant by Court's ''Inherent Judicial Power'' ?

In Eichelberger, the Texas Supreme Court explained inherent judicial powers and stated: The inherent judicial power of a court is not derived from legislative grant or specific constitutional provision, but from the very fact that the court has been created and charged by the constitution with certain duties and responsibilities. The inherent powers of a court are those which it may call upon to aid in the exercise of its jurisdiction, in the administration of justice, and in the preservation of its independence and integrity. . . . This power exists to enable our courts to effectively perform their judicial functions and to protect their dignity, independence and integrity. Eichelberger, 582 S.W.2d at 398-99. The Texas Legislature has recognized and codified a court's inherent power in section 21.001 of the Texas Government Code. The statute states in pertinent part: (a) a court has all powers necessary for the exercise of its jurisdiction and the enforcement of its lawful orders, including authority to issue the writs and orders necessary or proper in aid of its jurisdiction. (b) a court shall require that proceedings be conducted with dignity and in an orderly and expeditious manner and control the proceedings so that justice is done. Tex. Gov't Code Ann. 21.001(a), (b).