Texas Judiciary and Judicial System

Judicial federalism

The division of judicial authority between federal and state courts.

Partisan selection

A method of selecting judges where candidates are elected based on their political party affiliation.

Merit-based selection

A system for selecting judges based on qualifications and performance rather than political affiliation.

Appellate jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts.

Original jurisdiction

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

Exclusive jurisdiction

The authority of only one court (e.g., the U.S. Supreme Court) to interpret certain laws.

Grand Jury

A group of citizens that determines whether there is sufficient evidence to indict someone for a crime.

Beyond a reasonable doubt

The standard of proof required in criminal cases to convict a defendant.

Preponderance of evidence

The standard of proof required in civil cases, meaning the evidence is more likely than not to support the claim.

Compensatory damages

Monetary awards in civil cases intended to compensate the plaintiff for losses.

Punitive damages

Monetary awards in civil cases intended to punish the defendant for egregious conduct.

1995 Judicial Campaign Fairness Act

A Texas law that limits campaign contributions to judicial candidates.

Tort

A wrongful act that results in injury to another person, leading to civil liability.

Frivolous lawsuits

Lawsuits with little to no merit, often filed to harass or burden the defendant.

Castle doctrine

A legal principle that allows individuals to use deadly force to defend their home without retreating.

Wallace Jefferson

Former Chief Justice of Texas Supreme Court who advocated for merit based elections over partisan elections.