Texas Legal System Concepts

The video discusses the role of the judiciary in Texas, highlighting its influence on law enforcement and public policy. It explains the common law system, emphasizing consistency and flexibility in legal interpretations. The interaction between federal and state laws is explored, with examples of challenges in Texas. Different types of jurisdiction and cases, including criminal and civil, are detailed. The structure of the legal system, including the appeals process, is also covered.

What is the primary role of the judiciary in Texas?

• To manage state elections

• To play a vital role in law enforcement and public policy

• To enforce traffic regulations

• To create new laws

How does the common law system provide consistency in legal rulings?

• By relying on the accumulation of reasoning from past cases

• By ignoring previous case outcomes

• By allowing judges to create new laws

• By enforcing strict penalties

What is a key characteristic of the United States federal system?

• States can create their own constitutions without restrictions

• Federal laws are optional for states

• States must conform to the rules established in the U.S. Constitution

• Each state operates independently of the Constitution

What is statutory law in Texas?

• Laws created by city ordinances

• Laws passed by the state legislature

• Laws established by the federal government

• Laws based on judicial decisions

What is the role of stare decisis in the Texas legal system?

• To ensure consistency by relying on past case decisions

• To enforce federal laws

• To create new laws

• To allow judges to ignore past decisions

What does original jurisdiction mean in the context of Texas courts?

• A court can only hear criminal cases

• A court can only hear civil cases

• A court has the ability to hear a case first

• A court can hear a case after it has been appealed

Which type of case involves the state of Texas charging an individual with violating a statute?

• Appellate case

• Criminal case

• Civil case

• Tort case

What is the purpose of the appeals process in the Texas legal system?

• To reduce the number of courts

• To increase the number of cases

• To ensure the law was applied correctly

• To create new laws

What is the burden of proof in a criminal case in Texas?

• Beyond a reasonable doubt

• Preponderance of the evidence

• Probable cause

• Clear and convincing evidence

What is the main difference between original and appellate jurisdiction?

• Original jurisdiction is for federal courts, while appellate jurisdiction is for state courts

• Original jurisdiction involves hearing a case first, while appellate jurisdiction reviews the application of law

• Original jurisdiction is for minor cases, while appellate jurisdiction is for major cases

• Original jurisdiction only applies to civil cases, while appellate jurisdiction applies to criminal cases