Texas State Judicial Branches

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The court system can get a bit confusing with the different rules for federal and state cases. Here, we will learn about the Texas judicial branch in a flash. 

The State of Texas created a judicial system that provided local access to both trial and appeals courts. Texas has the most courts of any state, resulting in increased access to the courts and increased expenditures. Today we will learn about Taxes state and their judicial branch in a flash.

The Texas Court System's Structure

Even though the Supreme Court receives the most significant media attention, it only hears less than 100 cases annually. In reality, the federal side, including the trial and also the appellate, manages a disproportionately small number of cases, with state courts hearing around 90% of all claims in the United States. The hundreds of thousands of cases handled by the federal government each year pale in contrast to the millions dealt with at the state level.

State courts are at the heart of the American legal system. Therefore, the state courts are responsible for the vast body of legislation. The majority of crimes that come under the state court’s definition of "criminal activity" and breach the laws set in place are adjudicated in state courts. These crimes include rape, robbery, hit and run, and more. 

State courts also handle different types of civil lawsuits, including personal injury, juvenile, and real estate issues. 

Process of Judicial Selection

In Texas, state court justices are elected via partisan elections at each court level. Judges' tenure varies in duration, but after their mandates, all must seek re-election.

Below is the breakdown of the number of different court judges in the state:

  • Supreme court justices - 9
  • Criminal appeals judges - 9
  • Appeals court judges - 80
  • District court judges - 448

Judges' tenure begins on the first of January, after their election or re-election, according to Section 601.003 of the Texas Government Code.

What Is the Procedure for Filing a Lawsuit in a Texas County Court?

A person accused of breaking the law in the judicial system is labeled a criminal case. 

If you are found guilty, you might face anything from a modest fine to a death sentence. All other matters are civil, and they range from negligence trials like divorce and child custody to commercial contract enforcement, and more.

A trial court – usually with a citizen jury – must decide factual issues in every case. The only purpose of appellate courts is to determine the legal problems: Whether or not the trial court fairly completed the legal process? In Texas, what kinds of courts deal with judicial cases?

Jurisdiction Type

From enforcing traffic regulations to hearing capital murder accusations, every court system has authority over specific matters. Jurisdictions are divided into three categories:

Original Jurisdiction

The court has the first opportunity to hear the matter. Municipal courts, for example, usually have first-instance jurisdiction over traffic violations that occur inside municipal borders.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The ability of a higher court to examine a judgment made by a lower court. The Texas Court of Appeals, for example, has appellate authority over the district courts.

Exclusive Jurisdiction

Only that court has the authority to hear a particular matter. Only the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals may consider appeals for death penalty sentences.

Government of Texas

The Executive branch includes the Governor; the Legislative branch, which provides for our state legislators and senators; and the Judiciary, or Judicial branch, which provides for our court system.

Judges in the judicial system perform a variety of vital tasks, including:

  • Determining the meaning of laws (but not enacting new legislation);
  • Punishing offenders by incarcerating them or making them pay for the harm they have caused others; and
  • They are helping those with difficulties, such as mothers and fathers who need a divorce. People utilize the judicial system for a variety of reasons. Courts, for example, provide marriage licenses and assist couples in adopting children.

Courts at Various Levels

Trial courts in Texas are divided into four tiers. At the lowest levels of court, the Justice and Municipal courts handle minor crimes such as traffic tickets and criminal offenses punishable solely by a fine. Misdemeanors are less severe crimes or offenses than felonies, such as disorderly conduct.

Then there are county-level courts, which deal with crimes that may result in higher penalties or prison time and other civil issues that aren't criminal, such as divorces or lawsuits to recover money owed to one person by another.

On the other hand, the district courts deal with a wide range of situations, including serious criminal charges. A primary offense, such as murder or arson, is classified as a felony.

If a person is dissatisfied with a judge's decision, they may "appeal" to the Court of Appeals. This court re-examines the events and determines if the previous judge's decision was correct. This is similar to going to your father if you don't believe your mother's fair punishment.

The Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals are the state's highest courts. In all appeals in civil and criminal matters, they hold the last word. They also have the power to create regulations that all other courts must follow.

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