exam 4 Flashcards
(15 cards)
district courts
geographic jurisdiction to hear major civil and criminal cases. 477 in tx
municipal courts
created by localities to enforce city ordinances and try misdemeanors
justices of the peace
courts that hear minor civil and criminal cases, have preliminary hearings in serious criminal cases, and ac as small claims court
county court
hear intermediate civil and criminal cases and serve as an appellate court for municipal courts and JPs. is higher than municipal courts and justices of peace
appellate courts
hears appeals in civil and criminal cases. 14 in tx
tx supreme court
last resort in civil cases
tx court of criminal appeals
last resort in criminal cases
how are judges selected?
partisan election, might run on a party affiliation
lobbying
trying to influence officials through things like talking, gifts, and pushing ppl to call officials and talk
voter turnout
the proportion of eligible people who cast ballots in an election. president: 50-60. midterms: 30-45
what’s the only way you can vote by mail?
65 or older, sick or disabled, out of the country, expecting a child, or confined in jail
plural executive system
power is divided between several statewide officials
item line veto
governor’s power to veto parts of an appropriations bill without vetoing the entire bill. can be overridden by 2/3 house and senate vote
texas railroad commission
three-person statewide elected board that’s primary purpose today is to regulate and promote gas and oil production
attorney general
serves as legal councel to the legislature and executive branch, issues opinions on legal matters, enforces state laws, and represents the state in litigation (most important office)
