Government Governments are created to provide safety, order, and to serve the people. They depend on citizens taking active, responsible roles.

Basic Principles of Democracy

The Judicial Branch Main function: interpret laws and ensure that justice is applied to all citizens

Types of Law Criminal Law: applies to crimes against people and society brought by the government Two types of criminal law: Felony: a serious crime such as robbery, murder, or arson Misdemeanors: lesser crimes such as traffic violations, Civil Law: legal disputes between citizens, business, governments brought by people Include disagreements over property, money, child custody, insurance claims

Two Types of Courts in Texas Trial Courts: where lawyers present evidence and question witnesses, and a jury or judge decides the case. Three levels of trial courts in Texas: District Courts: top level of trial courts in Teas; they try felony cases and other serious crimes such as murder, but can also try civil cases over $500 County: hear civil cases between $500 and $5000, also hear criminal cases greater than $200 Municipal and Justice of the Peace: Municipal deal with violations and may levy fines up to $2000. Each county is required to have 1-8 JPs depending on population. They hear minor civil matters and criminal cases

Two Types of Courts in Texas Appeals Courts: the losing party in a civil or criminal case has the right to appeal , or request to have the decision of a court reviewed and possibly set aside. Appeals can’t be based on disagreeing with the decision but whether correct procedures were followed and the person’s rights were protected

Appeals usually begin in the district courts of appeals but can reach the two highest courts: the Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal cases) and the Supreme Court of Texas (civil or juvenile cases) Both of these courts are composed of nine justices who are elected to six-year terms.

The Texas Judiciary Structure of the Texas Courts Texas Supreme Court Court of Criminal Appeals State Courts of Appeals State District Courts County Level Courts Constitutional County Statutory County Courts Probate Courts at Law Courts Municipal Courts Justice of the Peace Courts

Juvenile System Department of Juvenile Justice was created in 2011 to handle crimes committed by young people ages 10-17. The goal is to rehabilitate youth who have committed crimes so they can return to society Also has programs to help teens work towards being productive citizens

The Jury System Cases that go to trial may be decided by a jury or by a judge In felony trials: all 12 jurors must agree on a verdict In civil trials: 10 out of 12 jurors must agree Many cases are decided without a trial. In a criminal case, a plea bargain is when a defendant pleads guilty to a less serious charge in exchange for a shorter sentence In a civil case, two parties can resolve the case by reaching an out-of-court settlement

The Jury System Grand Jury: decide whether a person accused of a felony should be indicted, or formally accused or charged Petit Jury: decide the verdict of criminal and civil trials Juror Qualifications: must be qualified to vote, able to read and write English, never convicted of theft or felony **It is a requirement of Texas citizens to serve on a jury.