Practicing Texas Politics, Chapter 10: The Judicial Branch

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the judicial branch of Texas as outlined in the lecture notes.

Civil law

A branch of law dealing with disputes between individuals or organizations, typically involving compensation.

Criminal law

A branch of law that involves prosecution by the state of individuals for acts classified as crimes.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a particular case based on the type of case or the location.

Original jurisdiction

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

Appellate jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review the decision of a lower court.

Concurrent jurisdiction

When two or more courts have the authority to hear the same type of case.

Trial court

A court in which most civil or criminal cases start, where evidence is presented and witnesses testify.

Appellate court

A court that hears appeals from lower courts and examines the procedures and decisions of those courts.

Texas Supreme Court

The highest appellate court in Texas that oversees civil cases.

Court of Criminal Appeals

The highest court in Texas for criminal cases.

Amicus Curiae

A 'friend of the court' filing that provides information to assist the court in making its decisions.

Plea bargaining

A negotiation in a criminal case where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.

Voir dire

The preliminary examination of jurors to determine their qualifications and suitability for jury duty.

Torts

Civil wrongs recognized by law as grounds for a lawsuit.

Economic damages

Compensations for financial losses, such as lost wages or medical expenses, awarded in civil lawsuits.

Exemplary damages

Also known as punitive damages, designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct.

Missouri Plan

A method of selection of judges using a nonpartisan commission that prepares a list of candidates.

Contingency fee

A fee paid to a lawyer that is contingent on the outcome of a case; the lawyer only gets paid if the case is won.

Grand jury

A jury that determines whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime.

Petit jury

A jury that is sworn to render a verdict in a trial.

Judicial conduct

The behavior and actions of judges and justices in their official capacity.