The Judicial BrancH Chapter Eleven

Courts, Judges, Lawyers and Juries Trial and Appellate Courts Local Trial Courts Municipal Courts and Justice of the Peace courts handle misdemeanors, issue warrants and marriage licenses County Trial Courts Each Texas county has a county court and judge Handle civil cases from $200-$10,000 and Class A and Class B misdemeanors State Trial Courts Original jurisdiction in all felony cases, divorce, and contested elections Intermediate Appellate Courts 14 state court of appeals each with 2-3 judges Judges are elected and serve 6 year terms Highest Appellate Court Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals are the two highest courts

Courts, Judges, Lawyers and Juries Contd. Selecting Judges and Justices All judges selected via elections Judge election is controversial because it appears that judges are for sale Disciplining and Removing Judges and Justices Judges can be removed through elections, trial by jury or through impeachment Lawyers Lawyers are regulated by both the Supreme Court and State Bar of Texas State Bar All lawyers must be a member of the bar Authorized to discipline, suspend and disbar lawyers Juries Grand Jury handles felony cases Petit Jury handles misdemeanor cases

Judicial Procedures in Criminal Cases Criminal Justice System Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Miranda Rights Right to an attorney Right to a trial by jury Criminal Trial and Appeal Defendant first enters a plea The state brings witnesses and evidence Jury must then reach a unanimous decision for a verdict A convicted defendant has the right to appeal