Texas Judicial Branch

Civil Law

Concerns private non-criminal cases such as divorce or lawsuits.

Criminal Law

Involves laws that define crimes and set punishments for individuals accused of committing those crimes.

Constitutional Law

The body of law defined by the constitution, establishing the structure and limits of government.

Statutory Law

Laws enacted by a legislative body, which can change or evolve over time.

Administrative Regulations

Rules and laws governing governmental agencies that may affect businesses or organizations.

Court Precedent

Legal principle established in previous court cases, guiding future court decisions.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review and revise the decision of a lower court.

Exclusive Jurisdiction

Situations where only a specific court has the authority to hear a particular type of case.

Texas Court System Hierarchy

The structured levels of courts in Texas, including the Texas Supreme Court, Texas Court of Appeals, and state district courts.

Judicial Selection

The process through which judges are chosen, which can include partisan elections, non-partisan elections, or appointments.

Partisan Elections

Judicial elections where candidates are affiliated with political parties.

Missouri Plan

A method of judicial selection involving a commission that provides a list of qualified candidates for the governor to appoint.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear specific types of cases.

Bifurcated Court System

Having two separate supreme courts to handle different types of cases, as in Texas.

Mistrial

A trial that has been invalidated due to an error that deprives one side of a fair trial.

First Amendment Rights

Protections established in the U.S. Constitution to ensure freedom of speech, among other rights.