Criminal Justice and Domestic Violence

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the criminal court process, Texas judicial jurisdiction, trial procedures, discretionary roles, and the dynamics and typologies of domestic violence.

Bail

The promise to return for a future appearance in court that can be paid for release during the pretrial stage depending on the risk of releasing the accused, returned in full after the court appearance.

Bond

A payment posted on the defendant's behalf to secure their release from custody.

Personal Recognize Bond

A form of release in which the individual promises to return to court without paying money.

Arraignment

The formal reading of the charges during which the defendant enters a plea.

Municipal Court

A court whose jurisdiction is defined by the geographic location of crimes and subject matter (type of crime).

Justice of the Peace Court

A court with jurisdiction over Class C misdemeanors, which represent the lowest level of offenses.

County Court

A Texas court with trial jurisdiction over Class A and Class B misdemeanors.

District Court

A Texas court with jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, including capital murder.

Court of Criminal Appeals

The highest appellate court for criminal cases in Texas, which automatically hears appeals in capital cases involving death sentences.

Texas Supreme Court

The highest appellate court in Texas for civil cases.

Court of Appeal

An appellate court that hears appeals against charges from county and district courts without conducting a new trial.

Prosecutor

The legal representative who brings a criminal case to court on behalf of the state.

District Attorney

The title of the prosecutor in Texas responsible for prosecuting felony offenses.

Initial Appearance

The first court appearance made by a defendant following an arrest.

Ethics

Moral principles and standards of right versus wrong and good versus evil that influence a person's decisions.

Discretion

The freedom of criminal justice officials to make decisions guided by applicable laws and organizational policies.

Jurisdiction

The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case, encompassing both geographic area and subject matter.

AVDA

Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse; an organization whose mission is to end family violence by advocating for victim safety, promoting abuser accountability, and fostering a community response.

Domestic Violence

A systematic pattern of abusive behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another in an intimate relationship, categorized as a public health issue.

General Cycles of Violence

The concept that violence is a learned behavior and coping mechanism transmitted across generations ('children learn what they live').

Underreporting

The phenomenon where domestic abuse survivors remain silent due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and a lack of awareness about available resources.

Spiritual Abuse

A form of abuse characterized by controlling or restricting religious practices, such as preventing a partner from attending church.

Technological Abuse

A form of non-physical abuse involving digital harassment or surveillance, such as excessive texting or intrusive phone calls.