Civil Process and Liability

In identifying liabilities for improper acts by the outcomes occuring in that course of action- who may be liable?

• A level of government

• Individuals who were not involved in the act
• An agency

• an individual peace officer employed in the service of any level of law enforcement

What is criminal law?

• Criminal law is a type of civil law
• Criminal law is a branch of law that deals with crimes, their prosecution, and punishment.
• may result in the guilty party being assessed a fine only or a fine and a period of confinement or community service

• regulates the conduct of individuals through threats of fines and imprisonment

What is civil law?

• Civil law is a legal system based on written codes and statutes, focusing on private disputes.
• defines the legal significance of public and private acts and regulates conducts through injuction

• Civil law is a legal system that only applies to criminal cases.
• Civil law is a legal system based on unwritten traditions and customs.

What does contempt consist of?

• conduct that obstructs the proper administration of justice

• conduct that tends to bring the authority and administration of the law into disrespect or disregard

• interferes with or harms parties or witnesses during litigation

• Tends to impede, embarrass or obstruct the court in discharge of its duties

What is constructive contempt?

• Ignoring the sheriffs attempts to serve you a writ

• Expressing disapproval or criticism in a way that aims to improve a situation or relationship.
• objectionable behavior that occurs outside the presence of the court

• Avoiding any form of communication with the court system

The person accused of contempt of court is entitled to what two things?

• immediate sentencing and a fine
• formal notice of the allegation of contempt

• must be afforded a hearing

• legal representation and a fair trial

A court may punish for contempt. What is the punishment?

• a fine of not more than $500

• confinement in jail for not more than 6 months

• a fine and confinement in jail

• arrested without bail set for no more than 7 days

What is the jurisdiction of a court recognized as?

• Official power to make legal decisions and judgments within a certain area or over certain types of cases.
• Jurisdiction over all types of cases
• Power to make illegal decisions
• the power of a court to hear a case

How is a jursidiction in a criminal case determined?

• Based on the location where the crime was committed, the type of crime, and the laws of the specific jurisdiction.
• by the severity of the offense charged as specified in the Texas Penal Code

• Determined by the magistrate the county the crime was committed

• Determined by the peace officer wherever the offense occurred

How many levels of felony offense are there?

• 3

• 7

• 4

• 5