Question 1

The Texas judicial system incorporates ____ levels of courts.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Texas judicial system incorporates ____ levels...

Question 2

If you are the plaintiff in a civil trial conducted in a district court in Texas,you will win your case if ten of the twelve jurors vote in your favor.

Accepted Answer

In a civil trial in Texas district court, the plaintiff needs a favorable vote from at least 10 of the 12 jurors to win. This requirement is based on the majority principle.

Question 3

Which court has ultimate authority to interpret Texas laws and the Texas Constitution?

Accepted Answer

The Texas Supreme Court has ultimate authority in civil cases, while the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has ultimate authority in criminal cases, making them the highest courts in their respective areas within the state of Texas.

Question 4

Which of the following arguments is given by those who support the current structure of the Texas supreme courts?

Accepted Answer

The current structure of the Texas supreme courts includes two high courts: one for civil cases (the Supreme Court of Texas) and one for criminal cases (the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals). Supporters argue that this division allows justices to specialize in either civil or criminal law, enhancing the quality of judicial decisions in each area.

Question 5

The local county trial court for minor criminal offenses (less serious misdemeanors)and civil suits involving small claims is the

Accepted Answer

The Justice of the Peace Court handles minor criminal offenses (less serious misdemeanors) and civil suits involving small claims, making it the correct choice for the local county trial court designated for these types of cases.

Question 6

How was the current structure of the state intermediate courts of appeal determined?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How was the current structure of the...

Question 7

In Texas,capital murder convictions are automatically reviewed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals,bypassing an appeal to a regional court of appeals.

Accepted Answer

Capital murder convictions are automatically reviewed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, bypassing the regional court of appeals. This is stated in Article 4, Section 4 of the Texas Constitution.

Question 8

You have received a traffic ticket from a Dallas police officer.You decide to contest it and must appear in the court which exercises original jurisdiction over limited criminal violations of Dallas city ordinances.What court is that?

Accepted Answer

Municipal courts typically have original jurisdiction over limited criminal violations of city ordinances. Justice of the peace courts typically handle minor civil and criminal matters, while statutory probate courts deal with probate matters and county courts at law handle civil matters and misdemeanors. District courts have jurisdiction over felony criminal cases and larger civil cases.

Question 9

A new trial,necessary for an appeal from a court that is not a court of record,is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

A new trial necessary for an appeal from a court that is not a court of record is called a "trial de novo." This refers to a new trial in which the case is heard again from the beginning with new evidence, witnesses, and arguments presented. This type of trial is different from an appellate trial, which is a review of the original trial record without a new trial, and a trial upon remand, which is a new trial ordered by an appellate court after a successful appeal.

Question 10

Texas Supreme Court justices are appointed by the governor; most other Texas judges are elected in partisan elections.

Accepted Answer

The Texas Supreme Court justices are elected in partisan elections, similar to most other judges in Texas.

Question 11

The Texas judicial system developed from roots in the

Accepted Answer

The Texas judicial system developed primarily from roots in the English legal system, with some vestiges of the Spanish legal tradition remaining as well. Texas was a part of Mexico until 1836, but the legal system in place at that time was modeled after the Spanish legal tradition, which had itself been influenced by the Roman legal system. However, after annexation by the United States, Texas adopted common law principles from the English legal system, which have been the basis of its legal system ever since.

Question 12

To serve on the trial or appellate bench at any level in Texas,you must be a licensed attorney in the state.

Accepted Answer

The answer of To serve on the trial or appellate...

Question 13

The first courts in Texas were established

Accepted Answer

The first courts in Texas were established in the Austin colony by Stephen F. Austin who appointed a provisional justice of the peace for the province of Texas in 1822. This was before Texas gained independence from Mexico and before it became a republic or was annexed by the United States.

Question 14

Almost every constitution in Texas history provided for

Accepted Answer

Throughout Texas history, there has been a consistent push for the popular election of judges. This was designed to create a system of checks and balances, as well as to allow the people to have a voice in the judicial process. Therefore, almost every constitution in Texas history provided for the popular election of some judges.

Question 15

A judge on which of the following courts would have the most prestige?

Accepted Answer

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the highest court in Texas for criminal cases and has the most prestige among the options listed. It is composed of nine judges who are elected by the people of Texas, and they have the final say on all criminal cases in the state. The State Court of Appeals, Constitutional and Statutory County Courts, and Justice of the Peace Courts all have limited jurisdictions and do not carry as much influence as the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Question 16

Most cases in Texas municipal courts involve

Accepted Answer

Texas municipal courts primarily deal with lower-level offenses such as traffic and parking violations, making option D the most likely answer. Options A, B, and E typically fall under the jurisdiction of higher-level courts, while option C is typically handled by probate or family courts.

Question 17

How many constitutional county courts exist in Texas?

Accepted Answer

There are 254 constitutional county courts in Texas, one for each county in the state.

Question 18

If you are charged with a felony in Texas and the case goes to trial,you would appear as a defendant in a district court.

Accepted Answer

Felony cases in Texas are tried in district courts, and the defendant would appear as a defendant in that court.

Question 19

In 2008,Texas voters approved a constitutional amendment that combined the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals into one court that has final jurisdiction in all criminal and civil matters.

Accepted Answer

Texas voters did not approve such a constitutional amendment in 2008. The Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals remain separate courts with their own areas of jurisdiction.

Question 20

All of the following can be issued by a municipal court EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

The answer of All of the following can be issued...

Quiz 20: The Texas Judiciary