pols

Judiciary Branch

The branch of government that is responsible for interpreting the law and administering justice.

Litigious

Involving or relating to lawsuits or legal disputes.

Original Jurisdiction

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

Appellate Jurisdiction

The power of a higher court to review and change the outcome of a lower court's decision.

Texas Supreme Court

The highest civil court in the state of Texas.

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

The highest court in Texas for criminal cases.

Common Law

A body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts.

Grand Jury

A jury that examines evidence and decides whether to indict a person on criminal charges.

Petit Jury

A jury that hears a case in a trial and delivers a verdict.

Dillon’s Rule

A principle that local governments can only exercise powers expressly granted by the state.

Home Rule

Authority granted to municipalities allowing them to govern themselves as long as it does not conflict with state laws.

Annexation

The process of legally adding land area to a city or municipality.

Sales Tax

A tax imposed on sales of goods and services.

Property Tax

A tax assessed on real estate properties based on their value.

Budget Process

The procedure through which a government prepares and allocates its budget.

Progressive Taxation

A tax system where the tax rate increases as the taxable amount increases.

Regressive Taxation

A tax system where the tax rate decreases as the taxable amount increases, disproportionately affecting lower-income individuals.

10th Amendment

The constitutional amendment that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.