Final Test on Texas Courts

Questions and Answers

What is the most sharply limited trial jurisdiction in Texas?

Municipal Court (correct)

County Court

Justice of the Peace Court

District Court

Texas Municipal Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over class C offenses.

False

How are municipal judges selected?

Most are appointed by the city council.

What additional official capacity do municipal judges and justices of the peace serve?

They serve as magistrates and as Presiding Officers of the Coroner. Signup and view all the answers

Where would a speeding ticket case inside city limits likely be tried?

Municipal Court Signup and view all the answers

What is a de novo appeal?

An appeal where the appellate court reviews the evidence and law without deferring to the trial court's rulings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a peace bond?

Contracts enforced by court orders that prevent people from harming one another. Signup and view all the answers

What was historically the jurisdiction of the Justice of the Peace courts?

Local Trial Courts of Limited Jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

A justice of the peace court may grant equitable relief.

False Signup and view all the answers

Where would a speeding ticket case outside city limits likely be tried?

Justice of the Peace Court Signup and view all the answers

What is the jurisdiction of Texas Municipal Courts?

Concurrent Jurisdiction, limited civil. Signup and view all the answers

What forms of official process can a municipal judge issue?

Writs, subpoenas, and other orders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the jurisdiction of a county criminal court in Texas?

Original jurisdiction over Class A and Class B misdemeanors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a specialized county court?

County courts that focus on specific areas of law. Signup and view all the answers

What are the requirements to be a constitutional county court judge?

'Shall be well informed in the law of the State.' Signup and view all the answers

What matters are expressly not in the jurisdiction of Texas County Courts?

Adjudications about a child, slander, defamation of character, divorce. Signup and view all the answers

What types of appeals are taken from non-record Municipal Courts to the County Courts?

Appeals de novo from lower courts or the record from municipal courts of record. Signup and view all the answers

County Courts may grant equitable relief.

True Signup and view all the answers

How are constitutional county judges selected?

Partisan, county-wide election or filled by appointment by county commissioners. Signup and view all the answers

Constitutional county judges serve for what term?

4 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the jurisdiction of Texas District Courts?

Divorce, domestic, civil actions over $200, title to land. Signup and view all the answers

What is the jurisdiction of Family District Courts?

Adoptions, divorce, child custody and support matters. Signup and view all the answers

Which court hears the vast majority of criminal appeals in Texas?

Texas Court of Appeals Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest court in Texas for criminal cases?

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Signup and view all the answers

What is the constitutional jurisdiction for the Texas Supreme Court?

Limited to questions of law arising in civil cases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the supplemental jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court?

Any case involving state revenues or errors of substantive law by a court of appeals. Signup and view all the answers

What type of trials does Texas have in criminal cases?

Examining trial Signup and view all the answers

In a civil jury trial in a district court, what agreement of the jurors is necessary to return a verdict?

Must reach a unanimous decision. Signup and view all the answers

Texas District Courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over what matters?

Civil actions over $200, divorce, title to land, felony criminal matters. Signup and view all the answers

Texas District Courts have appellate jurisdiction over what matters?

Over probate cases originating in county courts. Signup and view all the answers

What is an associate judge?

A judge that serves under a district judge, normally part-time. Signup and view all the answers

How are associate judges selected?

By local judges or presiding judge, with consent of court commissioner. Signup and view all the answers

What are the requirements to be a Texas Statutory County Court judge?

Partisan, county-wide election. Signup and view all the answers

What are the requirements to be a Texas District Court judge?

At least 25 years old, practicing attorney or judge for four years. Signup and view all the answers

Over what matters do Texas Courts of Appeals have final jurisdiction?

Regional jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

How many Court of Appeals Districts are there in Texas?

14 districts Signup and view all the answers

Fort Worth is in which Texas Court of Appeals District?

2nd district Signup and view all the answers

What is the general jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court?

Juvenile, civil cases, and decisions of a court of appeals. Signup and view all the answers

Who writes the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure?

Texas Supreme Court Signup and view all the answers

When may a direct appeal be taken from Texas District Court to the Texas Supreme Court?

Death sentence Signup and view all the answers

What is the term of service for justices in Texas Courts?

Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, Courts of Appeals all serve 6 years. Signup and view all the answers

What court hears death penalties?

Court of Criminal Appeals Signup and view all the answers

What are the requirements for Texas Supreme Court justices?

Citizen of US and Texas, age 35 to 74, practicing lawyer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a habeas corpus?

A writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Texas Court System Overview

Municipal Court: Most limited trial jurisdiction in Texas.
Class C Offenses: Texas Municipal Courts possess concurrent jurisdiction over these offenses.

Judges and Court Operations

Municipal Judges: Typically appointed by city council, no specific qualifications required.
Magistrate Role: Municipal judges and justices of the peace have duties as magistrates and serve as Presiding Officer of the Coroner.

Court Jurisdiction

Speeding Tickets in City Limits: Likely tried in Municipal Court.
De Novo Appeal: An appeal where the appellate court reviews the case anew, using the trial court's record without deferring to its rulings.
Peace Bond: Court-enforced agreements preventing harm between parties.

Justice of the Peace Courts

Historical Jurisdiction: Originally local trial courts with limited jurisdiction.
Equitable Relief: Justice of the Peace Courts cannot grant such relief.
Speeding Tickets Outside City Limits: Handled by Justice of the Peace Court.

County Courts

Jurisdiction: Constitutional county courts handle Class A and B misdemeanors.
Specialized County Courts: Focus on specific legal areas like probate instead of general jurisdiction.
Election of Judges: Constitutional County judges are elected; requirements include being well-informed in state laws.

Appeals and Equitable Relief

Appeals from Municipal Courts: Generally, de novo appeals to County Courts.
County Courts: Have the authority to grant equitable relief.

Texas District Courts

Jurisdiction: Exclusive original jurisdiction over civil actions exceeding $200, divorce, title disputes, contested elections, and felony matters.
Appellate Jurisdiction: Over probate cases from county courts; can review county commissioners' court actions.

Judicial Structures

Associate Judges: Serve under district judges, primarily in family law; selected by local judges with court commissioner consent.
Statutory County Court Judges: Elected county-wide, requirements include age and residence stipulations.

Appeals Court Details

Texas Court of Appeals: Most criminal appeals are processed here, with 14 districts statewide.
Jurisdiction: Regional jurisdiction, focusing on civil cases, juvenile matters, and constitutional issues.

Texas Supreme Court

Role: Reviews cases with questions of law from civil cases; resolves conflicts among lower courts.
Supplemental Jurisdiction: Involves cases including state revenue issues and errors from the Court of Appeals.
Requirements for Justices: Must be U.S. citizens and Texas residents, aged 35 to 74, with at least 10 years of legal experience.

Unique Aspects

Death Sentence Appeals: Direct appeals from District Courts to the Texas Supreme Court are permitted in these cases.
Court of Criminal Appeals: The highest authority for criminal case appeals, including death penalty cases.

Miscellaneous

Term Lengths: Justices on the Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, and Courts of Appeals serve six-year terms.
Habeas Corpus: A legal writ for bringing an arrested individual before a court to secure lawful release if grounds for detention are not shown.

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Test your knowledge of the Texas judicial system with these flashcards focused on municipal courts. Learn about their jurisdiction, judges, and related laws. Perfect for students or anyone interested in Texas court procedures.