Government 2306: Chapter 9-The Texas Judiciary

A grand jury

determines whether there is enough evidence to justify a trial.

A dispute between individuals or businesses over relationships, obligations, or responsibility, with the remedy usually being monetary compensation, is an example of

civil law.

Criminal law involves the violation of

concepts of right and wrong as defined by criminal statutes by criminal statutes.

District courts are described as the

major trial courts of the state that handle trials involving criminal or civil matters.

If a grand jury issues an indictment,

the grand jury believes that a criminal offense has occurred, and a trial is warranted.

In a criminal case, the __________ must convince the jury of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

state

In a criminal trial, a unanimous verdict is needed

in order to find a defendant guilty or not guilty.

Municipal courts and justice of the peace courts are considered to be

local trial courts of limited jurisdiction.

Supreme Court justices in Texas are

elected in partisan elections.

The Court of Criminal Appeals is

the highest court in Texas for criminal matters.

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct was created to ensure that

ensure that allegations of judicial misconduct are appropriately investigated.

The Texas Supreme Court

is the highest court in the state for civil matters.

The __________ bears the burden of proof and must provide a preponderance of evidence.

plaintiff

The justice of the peace courts exercise jurisdiction over

class C misdemeanors and minor civil matters.

Under merit selection, judges

would be appointed to their position on the recommendation of a nomination committee comprised of both lawyers and lay people.

What is tort reform?

the attempt to reform how damages are awarded when a lawsuit claims that someone has been harmed

Which of the following is a major criticism of the method of judicial selection in Texas today?

The need to raise campaign contributions compromises the independence of the judges.

Who can appointment a judge to a vacant seat on a Texas court?

the governor

Why does the state create courts in some counties with special jurisdiction over criminal, civil, or family laws?

It is a solution to the sizable case load in the state's large urban counties.

__________ is the most important part of a judicial candidate's campaign in Texas.

Party affiliation

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