Questions and Answers
What types of cases does the Texas Supreme Court hear?
The Supreme Court of Texas hears all civil and juvenile cases, mainly appeals from intermediate Courts of Appeal.
Know the requirements necessary to be a judge of the Texas Supreme Court.
Must be at least 35 years old, a citizen of Texas, licensed to practice law in Texas, and have practiced law for at least ten years.
Which court in Texas has automatic jurisdiction over all death penalty cases?
The Court of Criminal Appeals.
What authority do the Texas Supreme Court and the court of criminal appeals have regarding lower courts?
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Appeals at the level of the court of appeals are typically heard by panels of how many justices?
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The main trial courts in Texas are called ____?
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What percentage of the 819 justices of the peace in Texas are non-lawyers?
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Courts that can review matters relating to the disposition of property of deceased persons are referred to as?
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Justice of the peace courts handle which kind of disputes?
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The majority of the cases that justice of the peace judges hear are regarding?
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A person who files a civil lawsuit against another party is called?
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An indictment is also known as?
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In Texas, what type of judicial candidates do trial lawyers tend to support?
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What is the major difference between campaigns of civil court judges versus criminal judges?
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Why does it typically cost more money to win a seat on the Texas Supreme Court than a seat on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals?
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What is the most important role the governor of Texas plays in the judicial process?
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Like the U.S. Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court has nine justices, including one chief justice.
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The Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals have appellate jurisdiction.
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The Texas Supreme Court has jurisdiction over the automatic appeals in all death penalty cases.
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Texas Supreme Court justices are elected for a four-year term.
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Currently, how many statutory probate court judges are there in Texas?
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Texas justices of the peace do not have to be lawyers.
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Each incorporated town or city in Texas has a municipal court.
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The majority of justice of the peace judges have a credentialed background in law.
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In Texas, appellate court judges are elected, but the governor appoints trial judges to six-year terms.
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What is one of the biggest controversies concerning the method of judicial selection in Texas?
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Study Notes
Texas Supreme Court and Jurisdiction
- Comprised of a Chief Justice and eight justices, the Texas Supreme Court holds statewide, final appellate jurisdiction in civil and juvenile cases.
- Most cases are appeals from intermediate Courts of Appeal.
- The Court of Criminal Appeals has exclusive jurisdiction over automatic appeals in death penalty cases.
Qualifications for Texas Supreme Court Judges
- Must be at least 35 years old, a Texas citizen, and licensed to practice law in Texas.
- Requires a minimum of ten years in legal practice or a combination of being a lawyer and judge of a court of record.
- The Clerk of the Court is appointed and serves a four-year term.
Court Structure and Processes
- Appeals in the Court of Appeals are typically reviewed by panels of three justices.
- Major trial courts in Texas are known as district courts.
- Statutory Probate Courts address matters relating to deceased persons' property.
Justices of the Peace and Municipal Courts
- 92% of the 819 justices of the peace in Texas are non-lawyers.
- Justice of the peace courts primarily handle small claims and traffic misdemeanors.
Legal Terminology and Roles
- The plaintiff initiates civil lawsuits, while the defendant responds.
- An indictment is also referred to as a "true bill."
Judicial Elections and Campaigns
- Trial lawyers in Texas typically support Democratic candidates for judicial positions.
- Civil court judicial campaigns involve significantly higher monetary amounts compared to criminal court campaigns.
- Factors in funding: economic incentives are often lacking for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals races.
Role of the Governor in the Judiciary
- The Governor of Texas appoints judges to fill vacancies; this includes district and appellate judges prior to elections.
Judicial Elections and Structure
- The Texas Supreme Court, like the U.S. Supreme Court, consists of nine justices, including one chief justice.
- Justices are elected for a four-year term, while Texas appellate court judges are also elected, with trial judges appointed to six-year terms.
- Judicial elections in Texas operate on a nonpartisan basis.
Controversies in Judicial Selection
- A significant controversy arises from potential conflicts of interest in cases where judges have to rule on financial matters involving their campaign contributors.
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Description
Prepare for the Texas Government 2306 final exam with these flashcards. This quiz covers important topics like the jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court and the requirements to be a judge. Test your knowledge and get ready for success!
