All Study Guides Texas Government Unit 5
🦂 Texas Government Unit 5 – Judicial branchTexas's judicial branch is a complex system of courts with varying jurisdictions and responsibilities. From the Supreme Court to local Justice of the Peace Courts, each level plays a crucial role in interpreting laws, resolving disputes, and ensuring justice.
The structure and operation of Texas courts significantly impact citizens' lives. Key issues include judicial selection methods, landmark cases, ongoing reforms, and the balance between state and federal jurisdictions. Understanding this system is vital for grasping how laws are applied and rights are protected in Texas.
Key Concepts and Definitions
Jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear and decide cases
Original jurisdiction means a court has the power to hear a case for the first time
Appellate jurisdiction allows a court to review decisions made by lower courts
Stare decisis is the legal principle of following precedent set by previous court decisions
Ensures consistency and predictability in the legal system
Judicial review is the power of courts to determine the constitutionality of laws and actions
Judicial activism occurs when judges make decisions based on personal or political considerations rather than strictly interpreting the law
Judicial restraint is the principle of judges limiting their power and deferring to the other branches of government when possible
Structure of the Texas Judicial System
The Texas judicial system consists of multiple levels of courts with varying jurisdictions
At the top is the Texas Supreme Court, the highest court for civil matters
Composed of a Chief Justice and eight associate justices
The Court of Criminal Appeals is the highest court for criminal cases
Intermediate appellate courts include the Courts of Appeals, which hear appeals from lower courts
District Courts are the primary trial courts in Texas with general jurisdiction over most cases
County Courts have limited jurisdiction and handle misdemeanors, small claims, and probate matters
Justice of the Peace Courts are the lowest level and handle minor cases, traffic violations, and small civil disputes
Municipal Courts deal with city ordinance violations and some misdemeanors
Types of Courts and Their Jurisdiction
Texas Supreme Court has final appellate jurisdiction in civil and juvenile cases
Also has original jurisdiction over some matters, such as attorney discipline
Court of Criminal Appeals has final appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases
Courts of Appeals have intermediate appellate jurisdiction and hear appeals from lower courts
Divided into 14 districts across the state
District Courts are the primary trial courts with general jurisdiction
Handle felony criminal cases, civil cases over $200, and family law matters
County Courts have limited jurisdiction over misdemeanors, probate, and civil cases up to $200,000
Justice of the Peace Courts handle small claims, evictions, and minor misdemeanors
Municipal Courts adjudicate violations of city ordinances and some state misdemeanors
Specialty courts exist to handle specific types of cases, such as drug courts and veteran's courts
Selection and Qualifications of Judges
Judges in Texas are elected in partisan elections, with a few exceptions
Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals justices are elected statewide to six-year terms
Must be at least 35 years old, a U.S. and Texas citizen, and have been practicing law for at least 10 years
Courts of Appeals justices are elected from their districts to six-year terms
Must meet the same qualifications as Supreme Court justices
District Court judges are elected from their districts to four-year terms
Must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. and Texas citizen, and have been practicing law for at least 4 years
County Court judges are elected countywide to four-year terms
Must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. and Texas citizen, and have been practicing law for at least 4 years
Justice of the Peace judges are elected precincts to four-year terms
Not required to be attorneys, but must complete training
Municipal Court judges are typically appointed by city officials
Qualifications vary by city
Important Cases and Landmark Decisions
Edgewood Independent School District v. Kirby (1989) ruled that Texas' school financing system was unconstitutional
Led to significant reforms in education funding
Roe v. Wade (1973) originated in Texas and legalized abortion nationwide
Overturned by Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022)
Lawrence v. Texas (2003) struck down Texas' sodomy law as unconstitutional
Expanded privacy rights and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals
Fisher v. University of Texas (2016) upheld the use of affirmative action in college admissions
Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt (2016) struck down Texas restrictions on abortion clinics
Reaffirmed constitutional right to abortion
Moore v. Texas (2017) ruled that Texas' method for determining intellectual disability in death penalty cases was unconstitutional
Partisan judicial elections can lead to the perception of bias and influence from campaign contributions
Some advocate for a merit-based appointment system
High volume of cases and limited resources strain the court system
Leads to delays and backlogs
Inadequate funding for legal aid and public defenders impacts access to justice for low-income Texans
Efforts to reform bail practices and reduce pretrial detention
Concerns about fairness and disproportionate impact on marginalized communities
Push for greater diversity on the bench to better reflect the state's population
Increasing use of specialty courts and alternative dispute resolution to address specific issues and reduce caseloads
Adoption of technology, such as e-filing and remote hearings, to improve efficiency
Comparison with Federal Judicial System
The U.S. Constitution establishes the federal judiciary, while the Texas Constitution creates the state judiciary
Federal judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for life terms
Texas judges are mostly elected for set terms
The federal system has three main levels: District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court
Texas has multiple levels, including County Courts and Justice of the Peace Courts
Federal courts have limited jurisdiction based on federal law and the Constitution
Texas courts have broad jurisdiction over state law matters
The U.S. Supreme Court has final authority on federal law and can overrule Texas courts on constitutional issues
Both systems follow the principle of stare decisis and engage in judicial review
Texas courts interpret state laws and constitution, while federal courts focus on federal law
Impact on Texans' Daily Lives
Courts resolve disputes and enforce laws that affect individuals, families, and businesses
Contract disputes, personal injury claims, and family law matters
Criminal courts determine guilt or innocence and impose punishments
Impacts public safety and individual rights
Decisions on hot-button issues like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and gun control directly affect Texans
Interpretation of state laws and regulations impacts industries and the economy
Environmental regulations, labor laws, and consumer protections
Access to justice and fair treatment in the legal system is crucial for all Texans
Particularly important for marginalized and low-income communities
Efficiency and effectiveness of the judiciary impact the timely resolution of cases
Delays can have significant consequences for individuals and society
Trust and confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary are essential for the rule of law
Perception of bias or politicization can undermine faith in the system