Texas Criminal Justice System & Voting Rights: Key Laws and Procedures

In the Texas criminal justice system who is involved in the enforcement of public safety and law enforcement?

Police, Prosecutors, Judges

In what year did the Texas legislature pass the first law establishing the state prisons?

1848

Convict leasing was finally abolished by the Texas legislature in what year?

1910

The first prison to close in Texas in 2011 was?

Central Unit

The main job of law enforcement is to?

Enforce the law and ensure public safety

When a person receives a "true bill" or indictment from a grand jury, it indicates what?

There is sufficient evidence to formally charge the person and proceed to trial

How many people sit on a grand jury in Texas?

12

How many people sit on a jury for a misdemeanor case in Texas?

6

How many people sit on a jury in a felony case in Texas?

12

In the Michael Morton case, the prosecutor was sentenced to how many days in jail?

10

What is the Sandra Bland Act?

A law aimed at improving jail safety and addressing mental health issues for inmates

How are the nine members of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) selected?

They are appointed by the Governor

One of the most controversial issues facing police in Texas involves?

The use of force and police-community relations

What is a felony?

A serious crime punishable by imprisonment in a state penitentiary or more severe penalties

What is a misdemeanor?

A minor crime, typically punishable by a fine or confinement in a county jail

The most serious felony is?

Capital felony

What is probation?

A court-ordered period of supervision within the community instead of incarceration

What is Parole?

The conditional early release of a prisoner from incarceration under supervision

Who makes the decision to grant parole in Texas?

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles makes recommendations about what?

Pardons, paroles, and clemency

What is the "three strikes" provision?

A law that mandates life imprisonment for a person convicted of a third felony

Money provided by the defendant to ensure court appearance is referred to as?

Bail

If a person cannot provide bail, they might be released how?

On their own recognizance

Grand juries only decide if?

There is probable cause to believe a crime was committed and the accused committed it

What is the standard of proof in criminal cases?

Beyond a reasonable doubt

What are plea bargains?

Negotiations where the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a concession

A lawyer appointed for someone who can't afford representation is a?

Public Defender

The case of Ruiz v. Estelle determined that?

The Texas prison system violated the Eighth Amendment

What is the maximum sentence for a state jail felony in Texas?

2 years

Texas has more verified what than any other state?

Exonerations

The Timothy Cole Act requires payment of how much per year of wrongful imprisonment?

$80,000

Which Texas Constitution article covers Municipal Corporations?

Article 11

Which Texas Constitution article covers Private Corporations?

Article 12

Which Texas Constitution article covers Spanish and Mexican Land Titles?

Article 13

Which Texas Constitution article covers Public Land and Land Offices?

Article 14

Which Texas Constitution article covers Impeachment?

Article 15

Which Texas Constitution article covers General Provisions?

Article 16

Which Texas Constitution article covers the Amendment Process?

Article 17

What was a poll tax?

A fee required to vote, used to disenfranchise poor and minority voters

How many days before an election must you register to vote in Texas?

30 days

One conventional way people participate in politics is?

Voting in an election

One non-conventional method of political participation is?

Engaging in a boycott

The most common factor affecting a person's political views comes from?

Their family

In Texas, what is a key requirement to legally vote?

Being a registered voter

Which amendment gives equal protection of the law to all people?

14th Amendment

Plessy v. Ferguson created the doctrine of?

"Separate but equal"

Which amendment granted black males the right to vote?

15th Amendment

In what year did Native Americans gain the right to vote in the US?

1924

Which amendment gave voting rights to women?

19th Amendment

Which amendment changed the voting age from 21 to 18?

26th Amendment

What was used to prevent minority and poor citizens from voting in Texas?

The poll tax

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prevented states from using?

Poll taxes and literacy tests

White primaries were elections where only who could vote?

White people

Which case outlawed the "white primary"?

Smith v. Allwright

Voter turnout is defined as?

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot

Can someone convicted of a felony vote in Texas?

Yes, but only after completing their sentence, including parole or probation