Is the highest criminal court in the state Show • 9 judges with the same pay, terms, and qualifications as for the Texas Supreme Court • Usually, initial appeals are heard by one of the courts of appeal in Texas Which term defines the presentation of a grievance by the plaintiff in a civil case? complaint Which of the following laws requires judges to recuse themselves from a case if they have received campaign contributions from one of the parties involved in the case? Judicial Campaign Fairness Act Watch the animation on how judges are selected across the United States, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate. Correct Answers: In states with partisan judicial elections, voters are likely to rely on their party identification when making a decision. In states in which the governor appoints judges, most must rely on a nominating committee that suggests a candidate for appointment. States using merit selection employ a commission to review the qualifications of potential judges before making recommendations Incorrect Answers: Most states tend to use partisan elections for selecting judges. When dealing with disciplinary issues involving Texas judges, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct relies on complaints from legal interest groups. False Since the late 1980s, the courts in Texas have become more favorable to defendants in civil cases than to plaintiffs. Why? Correct Answers: In general, more conservative than liberal justices have been elected. More Republican than Democratic justices have been elected. Several tort reform laws were passed during the early 2000s that limited damages against defendants. Incorrect Answers: New regulations on corporations enacted by the legislature have led to a drop in abusive practices. Which of the following is the main reason judges set bonds for defendants? to ensure the appearance of a suspect Watch the animation on the backgrounds of Texas judges, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate. Correct Answers: The number of male and female judges in the appellate courts is more balanced than the number of male and female judges in Texas trial courts. The Texas judiciary better reflects the backgrounds of lawyers in Texas than the population at large. Incorrect Answers: As Texas becomes more diverse, the racial and ethnic composition of the state's judges reflects this change. Municipal courts have jurisdictions over which of the following? Correct Answers: violations of city ordinances search and arrest warrants class C misdemeanors traffic and parking tickets Incorrect Answers: probate and guardianship Most criminal cases in Texas end with a _________ negotiated between prosecutors and defense attorneys for a less serious crime and sentence. plea bargain Study the table below on the caseloads of various courts in Texas. According to the data, which of the following statements is true? Courts with original jurisdiction have . significantly higher caseloads than those with appellate jurisdiction. For which of the following may a lawyer be punished in Texas? Correct Answers: failing to keep a client informed of a legal matter generation of litigation withholding funds from a legal settlement Incorrect Answers: failing to pass the bar exam Which of the following are true of criminal cases? Correct Answers: Criminal cases involve violations of penal codes. Those convicted in criminal cases may face a fine, imprisonment, or both as punishment. Grand juries review evidence before charges are brought. The government is always the plaintiff. Incorrect Answers: Criminal cases deal primarily with individual or property rights. Which office presides over the county court and the county commissioners' court with responsibility for the administration of county government? county judge What purpose do grand juries serve? They determine if there is sufficient evidence to bring the accused to trial. As the Republican Party has grown in strength in Texas, judicial races have become more competitive, both within the party and against Democratic candidates. What are some of the consequences of this increased competition? Correct Answer(s) Elections are highly political. Elections are much more expensive. Incorrect Answer(s): Elections have become less expensive. Elections have begun trending in a more nonpartisan direction. The most serious criminal cases are called _________ ; if a defendant is found guilty, __________ is a possible punishment. capital cases the death penalty Serious crimes are known as __________, whereas lesser criminal offenses are known as __________ . felonies misdemeanors Match each Texas lower court to its correct jurisdiction. local trial courts with limited jurisdiction over small claims and minor criminal misdemeanors jurisdiction over less serious cases than those heard by district courts jurisdiction limited to
probate and guardian matters Review the information in the chart, and then select the choices that best explain the differences in the demographic profile of the state and the profile of officeholders elected in partisan judicial elections in Texas. Correct Answer(s) Minority voters are more likely to support Democratic candidates. Large judicial districts dilute the influence of minority voters. Incorrect Answer(s) Minorities compose a smaller overall part of the state population. Regulations enacted by city government, and under the jurisdiction of municipal courts, are often referred to as which of the following? ordinances Which of the following statements about indictments in Texas are true? ... Why is it difficult for voters to learn about judicial candidates in Texas quizlet?Why is it difficult for voters to learn about judicial candidates in Texas? Voters are called upon to vote for too many different judicial races in a single election.
How are Texas judges selected quizlet?Texas uses nonpartisan elections to select state judges. In states that use merit selection to choose judges, an appointed judge runs in a - election, in which voters decide whether or not the judge should stay in office.
What happens in a bench trial quizlet Texas government?What happens in a bench trial? The defendant gives up his or her constitutional right to a trial by jury. Instead, the trial is conducted with only the judge. The Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals have appellate jurisdiction, which means they have the authority to do what?
What could influence finding an alternative system to select judges in Texas quizlet?What could influence finding an alternative system to select judges in Texas? The importance of party label has overcome judicial experience. The role of money has discouraged qualified candidates. Both are influences.
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