1. The Judicial BrancH
Chapter Eleven

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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