DC TX Gov Unit 5 Test Review

What types of cases does the Texas Supreme Court hear?

Civil appeals

What standard of evidence must a plaintiff meet to win most civil cases in Texas?

Preponderance of the evidence

How did ending straight-ticket voting affect Texas judicial elections?

Little difference overall because voters still relied on party affiliation

What information carries the most weight with many Texas voters in judicial elections?

The judicial candidate's party affiliation

How many district courts must serve each Texas county?

At least one district court serves every county although a court may serve several counties

How can the Texas governor most directly influence the state judiciary?

By appointing judges to fill district and appellate court vacancies until the next election

What is a bench trial?

A trial decided by a judge rather than a jury

What type of case can a Texas justice of the peace court hear?

A minor traffic offense such as running a red light

Which Texas court automatically hears appeals of death sentences?

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

How do civil law and criminal law differ?

Civil law resolves private disputes while criminal law addresses crimes

What experience is required to serve on the Texas Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals?

At least 10 years as a practicing lawyer or qualifying judge

What is the burden of proof for a criminal conviction?

Beyond a reasonable doubt

Where are constitutional county courts located in Texas?

In all 254 Texas counties

What conflict of interest can arise from partisan judicial elections?

Judges may face conflicts involving campaign donors or lobbyists

What do Texas grand juries primarily decide?

Whether sufficient evidence exists to indict an accused person

What do appellate courts review?

Whether lower courts correctly applied legal principles and procedures

What penalties can misdemeanors and felonies generally carry?

Misdemeanors can lead to jail while felonies can lead to prison

How does a merit-based judicial selection system generally work?

A screening commission recommends candidates and an authority appoints a judge who may later face a retention vote

How are most Texas state judges selected?

Voters choose them in partisan elections

What type of courts are veterans courts and DWI courts and drug courts?

Specialty courts

What early criminal court proceeding informs the accused of the charges and rights?

Arraignment

Who determines whether enough evidence exists to indict a defendant?

A grand jury

Which Texas court automatically hears appeals in death penalty cases?

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

What changed about handgun carrying rules in Texas in 2021?

Some eligible adults can carry without a state license or training requirement but legal restrictions still apply

Which statement best describes the death penalty in the United States and Texas?

It remains legal in roughly half the states and Texas has historically used it frequently

What effect have substance abuse treatment programs had on Texas incarceration according to the study guide?

A small decrease in the incarcerated population

How does Texas compare with other states in state prison population according to the study guide?

Texas has more people in state prisons than any other state

For which low-level offense is cite-and-release commonly discussed in Texas?

Possession of a small amount of marijuana

What prison conditions were challenged in Ruiz v. Estelle?

Overcrowding and inadequate healthcare and safety and supervision

Which Texas body makes parole decisions?

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

What is a possible jail sentence for a Class A misdemeanor in Texas?

Up to one year in county jail

Which offense can lead to a death sentence or life imprisonment without parole in Texas?

The murder of an on-duty police officer under qualifying circumstances

When can a person convicted of a felony regain voting rights in Texas?

After fully completing the sentence including incarceration and parole or supervision

What is a serious offense punishable in state prison called?

A felony

Who appoints the nine-member board governing the Texas Department of Criminal Justice?

The governor

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

Two years

In which type of trial is a unanimous jury verdict required for conviction?

A criminal jury trial

What is money pledged to help ensure a defendant attends court called?

Bail

What is recidivism?

Reoffending after an earlier conviction or incarceration

What is qualified immunity?

A legal doctrine that can protect government officials from certain civil damages claim