Question 1

One of the most controversial judicial issues in Texas is the death penalty. Explain some of the reasons for the controversy. How does race play a role in the controversy? What role does the court of criminal appeals play? What is the process by which clemencies are offered?

Accepted Answer

The answer of One of the most controversial judicial issues...

Question 2

Are the traditional Texan views on justice worth the burden to taxpayers? Is the shift to rehabilitation a good one for the state?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Are the traditional Texan views on justice...

Question 3

The governor of Texas is unable to grant clemency to death-row inmates without the recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Accepted Answer

According to Texas law, the governor cannot grant clemency to death-row inmates without the recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Question 4

Discuss the options a judge and prosecutor may have when addressing a criminal case. Review the levels of criminal charges and the possibility of a plea bargain and probation. Based on this knowledge, how "tough" is the Texas system?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the options a judge and prosecutor...

Question 5

Texas is the home of more verified wrongful convictions than any other state.

Accepted Answer

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, as of 2021, Texas has had the most verified wrongful convictions out of any state in the U.S.

Question 6

What is the controversy tied to criminal cases, in particular capital cases, in the state of Texas? Why is there such a controversy? What protections are put in place in order to help protect the defendants in these cases?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the controversy tied to criminal...

Question 7

Do concerns that Texas has executed innocent people make you reconsider your views on the death penalty? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do concerns that Texas has executed innocent...

Question 8

Lethal injection has been the means for execution in Texas since 1977.

Accepted Answer

Lethal injection has been the primary means for execution in Texas since 1977, although other methods (such as electrocution and gas chamber) were used prior to that.

Question 9

The integrity of the Texas judicial system has been called into question many times. Explain what events have caused these questions. Discuss the outcome of the situations and what the state of Texas is doing to combat future accusations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The integrity of the Texas judicial system...

Question 10

Texas leads the nation in the number of state-sanctioned executions.

Accepted Answer

According to the Death Penalty Information Center, Texas has executed the highest number of prisoners since 1976, which is when the Supreme Court ruled that capital punishment is constitutional. As of April 2021, Texas has executed 570 prisoners.

Question 11

Explain and discuss Texas's correctional system. What is the history of the system? What presents hurdles to an effective system? Can Texas prisons ever be considered the best in the nation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain and discuss Texas's correctional system. What...

Question 12

The governor can alter a prisoner's sentence without the majority support of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The governor can alter a prisoner's sentence...

Quiz 13: Crime and Corrections Policy in Texas