GOVT-2306-045
Tax elasticity
Consider the definition of tax elasticity as "the extent to which tax revenues increase as personal income rises. We are talking spending" Tax incidence is said to "fall" upon the group that ultimately bears the burden of, or ultimately has to pay, the tax. The key concept is that the tax incidence or tax burden does not depend on where the revenue is collected, but on the price elasticity of demand and price elasticity of supply.
What taxes are elastic which are inelastic?
If a producer (consumer) is inelastic, it will produce (demand) the same quantity no matter what the price. If the producer (consumer) is elastic, the producer (consumer) is very sensitive to price.
Home-Rule Amendment
It was the purpose of the Home-Rule Amendment ... to bestow upon accepting cities and towns of more than 5,000 population full power of self-government, that is, full authority to do anything the legislature could theretofore have authorized them to do. The result is that now it is necessary to look to the acts of the legislature not for grants of power to such cities, but only for limitations on their powers.
Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR)
Itemize the funding each agency feels it needs to pursue its various tasks, and include performance measures designed to ensure the money is spent efficiently and effectively
Capital Murder in Texas
murder of a peace officer or fireman who is acting in the lawful discharge of an official duty and who the person knows is a peace officer or fireman; murder during the commission or attempted commission of kidnapping, burglary, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, arson, obstruction or retaliation, or terroristic threat; murder for remuneration or promise of remuneration or employs another to commit murder for remuneration or promise of remuneration; murder during escape or attempted escape from a penal institution; murder, while incarcerated in a penal institution, of a correctional employee or with the intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination; murder while incarcerated in a penal institution for a conviction of murder or capital murder; murder while incarcerated in a penal institution serving a life sentence or a 99 year sentence for a conviction of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, or aggravated robbery; murder of more than one person during the same criminal transaction or during different criminal transactions but the murders are committed pursuant to the same scheme or course of conduct; murder of an individual under ten years of age; or murder in retaliation for or on account of the service or status of the other person as a judge or justice of the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, a court of appeals, a district court, a criminal district court, a constitutional county court, a statutory county court, a justice court, or a municipal court.
Legislative Budget Board (LBB)
Legislative Appropriations Requests are generally sent to Legislative Budget Board, the Comptroller's office and several other state agencies by the end of summer or in early fall. The LBB and the Governor's Office of Budget, Planning and Policy hold hearings on their content.
The Court of Criminal Appeals
The Court of Criminal Appeals reviews the briefs, considers the written and oral arguments advanced by each side, and issues an opinion that addresses each of the defendant's claims. Based on its resolution of the claims, the court affirms or reverses the conviction, the sentence, or both. If the court affirms the conviction and sentence, the defendant may petition the United States Supreme Court for certiorari review. Certiorari review is a discretionary device used by the Supreme Court to choose the cases it wishes to hear.
The General Fund Budget - San Antonio
The City's largest operating fund is the General Fund with a $1.14 Billion Adopted Budget in FY 2017.
An assistant district attorney decides whether or not to charge the suspect
after booking, it is up to the DA Office to continue to process. Exclusion of evidence or the severity of the crime depending upon what is on the DA's plate.
State Jail Felonies
• 180 days to two years in a state jail and possible fine not to exceed $10,000 • Possibility of community supervision • Possibility of punishment as Class A misdemeanor Examples: • Burglary of a building • Coercing a minor to join a gang by threatening violence • Credit card abuse • Criminally negligent homicide • Criminal nonsupport • Cruelty to animals • DWI with child passenger • Evading arrest in a vehicle • False alarm or report • Forgery of a check • Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information • Improper photography or visual recording • Interference of child custody • Possession of less than one gram of a controlled substance • Theft of something valued between $1500 and $20,000
• Mayor-council
A mayor-council model is a form of city government where the mayor is the chief executive and city council serves as the legislative branch. It reflects the principle of separation of powers and favors greatly direct representation and democratic accountability. Depending on the description in the city's charter, a strong mayor-council model allows the mayor to have extensive control over executive departments, while a weak mayor-council system involves shared control over executive departments. It consists of an elected mayor and city council. The mayor is usually elected from the city in an at-large election . The council may be elected either at large or from a series of single-member districts , or a mixture of the two. In the mayor-council form of government, the mayor is the chief executive officer of the city. He or she presides over council meetings and has a variety of appointment powers. The city council, meanwhile, serves as the legislative body in the city, passing local laws and watching over the executive departments. Strong mayor - council variation, the mayor's powers enable him or her to control executive departments and the agenda of the city council; Weak mayor - council variation, the mayor's power is more limited
Prevalence of crime In Texas crimes are slightly higher or slightly lower compared to the USA?
Slightly Higher
Election Systems • Districts
-At-large -Single member districts -Cumulative voting
Appeals to the federal courts
-Federal courts are reticent to hear state cases State law differs from Federal statutes and Jurisdiction and not Federally Constitutional issues, unless it violates a Federal Constitutional Rights
Election Systems • Parties
-Partisan races -Non-partisan races
Election Systems • Voting Rights Act of 1964
-Voters can file lawsuits in federal court if they believe the electoral rules are discriminatory -Pre-clearance from the U.S. Dept. of Justice
What percentage of Americans fall victim to violent crimes in a year?
1.1% of all persons age 12 or older (3 million persons) experienced at least one violent victimization. 0.5% ( An estimated 1.2 million persons) experienced at least one serious violent victimization in 2014.
Commissioner form of government
A second form of city government found in Texas is the commissioner form of government. Under the commissioner system, the city is run by a small commission, composed of between five and seven members generally elected at large. The commission acts in both a legislative and an executive capacity. As a group, commissioners enact laws for the city. Each commissioner is in charge of one of a variety of departments. One commissioner is also designated as the mayor to preside at meetings. The commissioner form of government was developed as a response to the devastating hurricane that hit Galveston in 1900. Progressives across the country supported the plan and other reform principles often integrated with it, including nonpartisan elections, merit selection of employees, and such direct democracy techniques as the initiative, referendum, and recall.
What is a 'Sin Tax'
A sin tax is a state-sponsored tax that is added to products or services that are seen as vices, such as alcohol, tobacco and gambling. These types of taxes are levied by governments to discourage individuals from partaking in such activities without making the use of the products illegal. These taxes also provide a source of government revenue
Pigovian tax
A sin tax is a type of Pigovian tax, which is levied on companies that create negative externalities with their business practices. Sin tax proponents maintain that the behaviors being taxed represent negative externalities, as they foist an unfair burden on the rest of society. The harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco increase health care costs, while compulsive gambling often forces families into bankruptcy and financial ruin. One purpose of a Pigovian tax is to create an incentive to reduce negative externalities. The sin tax accomplishes this purpose, as higher costs through taxation encourage consumers to spend less on harmful products.
What is the appeals process of death penalty cases in Texas?
After a defendant is convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death at trial, the appellate process begins. A capital conviction is normally reviewed in (appealed to) both state court and federal court. The district attorney's office that prosecuted the case at trial represents both the State and victim's interests in state court. In federal court, the Office of the Attorney General represents both the State's and victim's interests.
General law cities
All cities with a population LESS THAN 5,000 -All major Texas cities are home-rule -The legislature can pass laws constraining home-rule authority -Dillon's rule (1868) ---State constitutions vary in the level of power they grant to local governments. However, Dillon's Rule states that if there is a reasonable doubt whether a power has been conferred to a local government, then the power has not been conferred. General law cities are smaller cities whose powers are limited; they operate according to specific state statutes that define their powers and duties. They are restricted to doing what the state directs or permits them to do. If a general law city has not been granted the express or implied power by the state to initiate a particular action, none may be taken
At-large election
An election in which officials are selected by voters of the entire geographical area, rather than from smaller districts within that area
Home Rule Cities - > 5,000 residents in general
Are cities with populations of more than 5,000 in which citizens have adopted home rule charters. A charter is a document that establishes the city's governmental structure and provides for the distribution of powers and duties among the various branches of government. In order to be implemented, the charter must be approved by the people at an election. Likewise, changes in the charter must be approved by a vote of the people.
General Law Cities - < 5,000 residents in general
Are smaller cities whose powers are limited; under 5,000 and they operate according to specific state statutes that define their powers and duties. They are restricted to doing what the state directs or permits them to do. If a general law city has not been granted the express or implied power by the state to initiate a particular action, none may be taken.
Comptroller's office issues its Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE)
At the beginning of the legislative session, the Comptroller's office issues its biennial revenue estimate (BRE), a careful estimate of the funds likely to be available from taxes and other revenue sources over the next two years. The Texas Constitution makes the BRE a cap on legislative spending for this period.
Texas Budget Process
Begins during the year prior to each regular session of the state's Legislature - which are held in odd-numbered years.
General Appropriations Bill
Both the Texas House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Finance Committee hold hearings on the general appropriations bill, and make changes to it reflecting the BRE's limits and their funding priorities. When the committees complete their versions of the bill, they send them to the full House and Senate, respectively, for approval.
General Appropriations Bill and Biennial Revenue Estimate Once signed, the bill becomes law, directing the state's finances for two more years.
Both the Texas House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Finance Committee hold hearings on the general appropriations bill, and make changes to it reflecting the BRE's limits and their funding priorities. When the committees complete their versions of the bill, they send them to the full House and Senate, respectively, for approval. These two bills then go to a conference committee made up of members of both the House and Senate, which resolves their differences to produce a single bill reflecting the wishes of both bodies. Both houses then vote on this bill. Once approved, it goes to the Comptroller's office for "certification," a formal statement from the Comptroller that the bill spends no more than the amounts reflected in the BRE. The bill then faces a final hurdle, the governor's signature. Texas has a "line-item veto," allowing the governor to trim individual spending items from the bill as he or she sees fit. (This veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in each house, but in practice the governor's decisions are rarely challenged.)
Redistribution
Central tenet of most modern economies whereby a nation's wealth is channeled, from those who have more to those below a certain income level, through taxes that pay for welfare benefits. A socialist state often relies on the redistribution of wealth, where everyone produces to the best of his or her ability, and then the resources are redistributed to everyone as he or she has need.
What are the primary sources of revenue for Texas cities?
Conspicuously absent from this list is financial assistance from the state. Instead of revenue, Texas cities receive something equally important from the state—broad authority to govern themselves, including the authority to raise their own revenue. This local authority has worked to the benefit of cities and the state for many decades and should continue into the future.
Where does the convicted defendant appeal first?
Direct Appeal-Texas Court of Criminal Appeals A defendant sentenced to death is entitled to an automatic appeal to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the highest court of criminal jurisdiction in Texas. At this point, the defendant is called "the appellant," and the State is called "the appellee." The record of the trial, including all documents filed in the trial court, evidence presented at trial, and the written record of all the trial testimony, is compiled and filed in the Court of Criminal Appeals. The defendant's (appellant's) attorney files a brief, in which it is argued that error occurred during the trial and that the defendant's conviction and/or sentence should be reversed. The district attorney's office that prosecuted the case at trial files the State's (appellee's) brief responding to the claims (or grounds for error) in the defendant's brief. In most cases, there is an oral argument before the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Election Systems.
Districts. At large election systems all citizens vote. In the city limits all voters have a say. At-large. Generally no more than 5 City Council (top 5 vote getters). Single member districts. This type of council members Council 1-9, you must come in 1st place as a choice between two candidates. Minority voter representation is better with single Geographic districts to maintain neighborhoods within the city of San Antonino.
How do the annexation powers of general law cities compare to those of home-rule cities?
Does the city have authority to annex? Section 43.021 authorizes a home rule city to annex according to its charter, and most home rule charters authorize annexations without consent. On the other hand, general law cities, for most annexations, must receive a request from landowners or voters prior to annexing. The bottom line for general law cities is that the legislature has seen fit to severely limit when they can annex.
Capitol (Murder) Defendants in Texas have one overwhelming item in common; what is it?
Education Level (Highest Grade Completed) is 12th Grade/GED
Class C Misdemeanors
Fine not to exceed $500 Examples: • Assault by threat • Disorderly conduct • Gambling • Issuance of bad check • Leaving child in a vehicle • Minor in possession of alcohol • Possession of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle • Public intoxication • Use of Laser pointers
Charged suspects are brought before a judge for an arraignment
Formal presentation of charges, the habeas corpus guarantee requires this step.
What does the city gain and what responsibility does it incur?
GAIN: Cities (city taxpayers) pay for a wide array of services and facilities that benefit entire regions and the entire state. For example, it goes without saying that such basic activities as mail delivery couldn't take place if cities don't construct and maintain streets. The economy of Texas would crumble without city investments in the basic infrastructure upon which business and industry rely. Cities are centers of employment, health care, entertainment, transportation, and merchandising used by non-city-residents throughout the region. This means that cities must support public safety services and a physical infrastructure sufficient to serve a daily influx of visitors from throughout the metropolitan region. RESPONSIBILITY: Most states recognize that cities should be assisted in making these expenditures that benefit entire regions and the whole state. Virtually every state transfers state-generated revenue to cities to assist in the provision of services and facilities. They do this in recognition of the fact that cities (city taxpayers) are making expenditures that benefit all residents of the state. For example, all populous states give a portion of state gasoline tax revenue to cities to assist in street construction and repair. Many states share vehicle registration revenue or motor vehicle sales tax revenue with cities. A survey conducted by the National League of Cities found that cities across the nation receive 13 percent of their revenue from state aid.
What differentiates between a general law and home-rule cities
GLC <5,000............................................HRC >5,000 (See Below for Specific Details)
Dillon's rule (1868)
General Law Cities Only Does not apply to Home Rule Cities Legal principal that local government below the state level, which lacks constitutional rights, you are controlled and live and die by the state. General Law cities fall under this rule.
Home-rule Cities
Home-rule cities can take actions not specifically prohibited by state or federal law or constitution Home rule cities are cities with populations of MORE THAN 5,000 in which citizens have adopted home rule charters. A charter is a document that establishes the city's governmental structure and provides for the distribution of powers and duties among the various branches of government. In order to be implemented, the charter must be approved by the people at an election. Likewise, changes in the charter must be approved by a vote of the people •Actions justified as "public purpose" are permissible
Define offense cleared by exceptional means.
In certain situations, elements beyond law enforcement's control prevent the agency from arresting and formally charging the offender. When this occurs, the agency can clear the offense exceptionally. Law enforcement agencies must meet the following four conditions in order to clear an offense by exceptional means. The agency must have: • Identified the offender. • Gathered enough evidence to support an arrest, make a charge, and turn over the offender to the court for prosecution. • Identified the offender's exact location so that the suspect could be taken into custody immediately. • Encountered a circumstance outside the control of law enforcement that prohibits the agency from arresting, charging, and prosecuting the offender. https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2012/crime-in-the-u.s.-2012/tables/25tabledatadecoverviewpdfs/table_25_percent_of_offenses_cleared_by_arrest_or_exceptional_means_by_population_group_2012.xls/output.xls
In the Uniform Crime Report, how are offenses cleared?
In the UCR Program, a law enforcement agency reports that an offense is cleared by arrest, or solved for crime reporting purposes, when three specific conditions have been met.The three conditions are that at least one person has been: • Arrested. • Charged with the commission of the offense. • Turned over to the court for prosecution such as district attorney (whether following arrest, court summons, or police notice).
Ruiz v. Estelle? How did Texas comply?
Led to overturning parts of the 1980 ruling, but upholding other key parts. In the end the U.S. District Court in Tyler, Texas ruled in the plaintiffs' favor citing numerous instances of mistreatment, institutionalized neglect and inadequate resources and facilities. As a consequence, Federal District Judge William Wayne Justice ordered sweeping changes in the state's prison system.
Excise taxes Sin Tax
Levied on the manufacture, transportation, sale or consumption of a particular item
In Texas what method is used to impose the Death Penalty?
Method In Texas lethal injection
Why would a city want to annex an outlying area?
Most cities annex for two basic reasons: (1) to control development; and/or (2) to expand the city's tax base.
Trials
Most felony cases do not go to trial, plea bargains (93%), only a tiny faction go to court.
The judge sets bail
Most people can make bail, but if the defendant is reasonably expected to engage in other violent crimes, then bail might not be given
Progressive income tax
Progressive income tax, people with lower income pay a lower tax rate than people with higher income. Progressive income taxes thus place a higher tax burden on the rich than on the poor.
What about property crimes?
Property crime is about 7 times more prevalent than Violent crime. 1 in 24 In General, the rate of property crime decreased from: 131.4 victimization's per 1,000 households in 2013 to 118.1 per 1,000 in 2014.
Is taxation in Texas more regressive or progressive?
Regressive Regressive type of tax where the tax burden falls more heavily on lower-income individuals
Criticism of Sin Taxes
Small-government conservatives argue that a sin tax represents an overreach of government. Similarly, pundits on the left take issue with a sin tax because it tends to create a disproportionate effect on the poor and the uneducated. For example, studies indicate that smoking rates have a strong inverse correlation with educational attainment; those with a high school education or lower are much more likely to partake in tobacco use than those with a bachelor's degree or higher.
What are the three common zoning designations for Texas cities, and how do they differ from each other
Residential Zoning Residential zoning can include Single Family Residences (SFR), Suburban Homestead (SH), or any number of other designation which cover homes, apartments, duplexes, trailer parks, co-ops, and condominiums. Residential zoning can cover issues such as whether mobile homes can be placed on property, and the number of structures allowed on certain property. Commercial Zoning Commercial zoning usually has several categories and is dependent upon the business use of the property, and often the number of business patrons. Office buildings, shopping centers, nightclubs, hotels, certain warehouses, some apartment complexes -- as well as vacant land that has the potential for development into these types of buildings -- can all be zoned as commercial. Almost any kind of real estate (other than single-family home and single-family lots) can be considered commercial real estate. Industrial Zoning Like commercial zoning, industrial zoning can be specific to the type of business. Environmental factors including noise concerns usually are issues in determining into which industrial level a business falls. Manufacturing plants and many storage facilities have industrial zoning. Certain business -- such as airports -- may warrant their own designation.
City Budget - The General Fund
Revenue
BREAKING DOWN 'Sin Tax'
Sin taxes are typically added to liquor, cigarettes and other non-luxury items. State governments favor sin taxes because they generate an enormous amount of revenue. The general public usually accepts sin taxes because they are indirect taxes that only affect those who use the products. When individual states run deficits, a sin tax is typically one of the first taxes recommended by lawmakers to help fill the budget gap.
If Texas is a low-tax state, why is the sales tax in Texas high compared to other states?
Texas is one of seven states that still do not have a personal income tax. Two states, Tennessee and New Hampshire, only tax income from dividends and interest. There is a high sales tax in Texas of 6.25 percent, the 13th highest in the nation. Combined state and local sales taxes in the Texas can reach 8.25 percent which is the combination of the Texas Legislature set 6.25% with two additional possible additions. (1% maximum allowable tax to the county) and (1% maximum allowable tax to the city).
One Texas Legislative Budget Board study found that among the 50 states
Texas ranked 46th on per capita state government expenditures. Between the 1994-95 budget and the 2014-15 budget, real federal spending in Texas (per capita) increased by 18.9 percent while real state spending (per capita) increased only slightly, by 2.8 percent.
General sales tax (Texas Sales Tax)
The Texas state sales and use tax rate is 6.25%, but local taxing jurisdictions (cities, counties, special purpose districts, and transit authorities) may also impose sales and use tax up to 2% for a total maximum combined rate of 8.25%.
Uniform Crime Reports - What is it and what does it track
The UCR Program compiles data from monthly law enforcement reports or individual crime incident records transmitted directly to the FBI or to centralized state agencies that then report to the FBI. The Program thoroughly examines each report it receives for reasonableness, accuracy, and deviations that may indicate errors. Large variations in crime levels may indicate modified records procedures, incomplete reporting, or changes in a jurisdiction's boundaries. To identify any unusual fluctuations in an agency's crime counts, the Program compares monthly reports to previous submissions of the agency and with those for similar agencies.
What does it mean to say that the city manager is a "professional"?
The manager is hired to serve the council and the community and to bring to the local government the benefits of training and experience in administering local government projects and programs on behalf of the governing body. The manager prepares a budget for the council's consideration; recruits, hires, and supervises the government's staff; serves as the council's chief adviser; and carries out the council's policies. Council members and citizens count on the manager to provide complete and objective information, pros and cons of alternatives, and long-term consequences.
Council-manager
The third form of city government found in Texas is the council-manager form of government. As originally envisioned, a city council elected in at-large elections was to be the policy-making body. It limits greatly the role of the mayor and governing largely relies on city council and the city manager. This form favors good business practices and professional administration. Increasing efficiency of government and eliminating politicized policy making are the goals. Council members generally received little or no pay and were intended to be publicly motivated citizens interested in serving the public good, rather than professional politicians. A mayor was selected from among the council members. The city manager was to be a professional public manager who served as the chief executive and administrative official in the city. As in the commissioner form of government, the goal of the council-manager form of government was twofold: to free local government from the seamier side of politics and to bring administrative expertise to local government. - Recent innovation, and has become the most popular form of government for cities with a population of 10,000 or more. - Professional city manager is selected by city council.
When may an officer arrest someone?
There are only a very limited number of circumstances in which an officer may make an arrest: • The officer personally observed a crime; • The officer has probable cause to believe that person arrested committed a crime; • The officer has an arrest warrant issued by a judge.
District courts try all Felonies in Texas
Those cases that are appealed go to the Court of Criminal Appeals -Defendants often appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but remedy is quite rare -The Board of Pardons and Paroles Last Chance for recommendation of leniency, to the Governor. The Governor seldom complies, but he does have the authority to apply a One Time 30-day reprieve
Taxes as Percentage of Income in Texas
Those of lower incomes pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes than those of higher incomes
How do clearance rates differ for violent and property crimes?
Violent crimes are cleared at a higher rate than Property crimes
What does it mean to say that the city manager is a "professional"
What is the manager's function? The manager is hired to serve the council and the community and to bring to the local government the benefits of training and experience in administering local government projects and programs on behalf of the governing body. The manager prepares a budget for the council's consideration; recruits, hires, and supervises the government's staff; serves as the council's chief adviser; and carries out the council's policies. Council members and citizens count on the manager to provide complete and objective information, pros and cons of alternatives, and long-term consequences.
What constitutes an Arrest?
When police detain you, for , probable cause or suspected activity or match the description of...
This means that Texans pay income taxes only to the federal government.
Where does the state get its money? Through sales and property taxes, the state is able to fund roads, schools, prisons, and other needs. Critics of this approach argue that the poor pay a larger percentage of their incomes in states without income taxes. Proponents argue that businesses are attracted to Texas because it does not tax personal income.
After an arrest, police bring in the suspect for booking...
fingerprinting and processing
Public Policy • Developmental
http://tinyurl.com/6dwkgkr The purpose of local economic development (LED) is to build up the economic capacity of a local area to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all. It is a process by which public, business and nongovernmental sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation.
Public Policy • Allocational
http://tinyurl.com/ls63sbp Look at the pie chart of the Total City Budget within the General Fund
Public Policy • Re-distributive
http://www.businessdictionary.com/deinition/redistribution-of-wealth.html Central tenet of most modern economies whereby a nation's wealth is channeled, from those who have more to those below a certain income level, through taxes that pay for welfare benefits. A socialist state often relies on the redistribution of wealth, where everyone produces to the best of his or her ability, and then the resources are redistributed to everyone as he or she has need.
First Degree Felonies
• Confinement for life or from five to ninety-nine years and a possible fine not to exceed $10,000 • Possibility of community supervision • Aggravated assault of public servant • Aggravated kidnapping • Aggravated robbery • Aggravated sexual assault • Attempted capital murder • Arson of habitation • Burglary of a habitation with intent to commit or commission of a felony • Causing serious bodily injury to child, senior citizen, or disabled person • Escape from custody (if serious bodily injury occurs) • Murder • Solicitation of capital murder • Trafficking of persons under the age of fourteen
National Crime Victim Survey
• Created from interviews with about 90,000 households • Respondents indicate which crimes, if any, they were the victims of on the previous year National Crime Victim Survey, (so no murder) which began in 1973, provides a detailed picture of crime incidents, victims, and trends. The NCVS collects information on crimes suffered by individuals and households, whether or not those crimes were reported to law enforcement
Public Policy
• Developmental http://tinyurl.com/6dwkgkr • Re-distributive http://www.businessdictionary.com/deinition/redistribution-of-wealth.html • Allocational http://tinyurl.com/ls63sbp Look at the pie chart of the General Fund.
What are the three models of city governance?
• Mayor-council • Council-manager • Commissioner
Forms of City Government
• Mayor-council -Most common and only form in the U.S. until the 20th Century ---Strong mayor ---Weak mayor • Commission ---Developed in early 1900's, but very few (about 170) remain ---Why commissions have lost popularity • Council-manager ---Recent innovation, and has become the most popular form of government for cities with a population of 10,000 or more ---Professional city manager is selected by city council
Third Degree Felonies
• Two to ten years in prison and possible fine not to exceed $10,000 • Possibility of community supervision Examples: • Aggravated perjury • Bail jumping of a felony arrest • Deadly conduct with a firearm • Escape from felony custody • Indecent exposure to a child • Intoxication assault • Possession of a firearm by a felon • Retaliation • Stalking • DWI (third offense) • Tampering with evidence
Second Degree Felonies
• Two to twenty years in prison and possible fine not exceed $10,000 • Possibility of community supervision Examples: • Aggravated assault • Arson • Bigamy • Bribery • Evading arrest (and death of another occurs) • Improper relationship between educator and student • Indecent contact with a child • Intoxication manslaughter • Manslaughter • Online solicitation of a minor under fourteen • Possession of fifty to 2000 pounds of marijuana • Robbery • Sexual assault • Stalking—second offense • Trafficking of persons
Class B Misdemeanors
• Up to 180 days in the county jail and/or fine not to exceed $2000 • Up to two years of community supervision or three years with an extension Examples: • Criminal Trespass • DWI • False report to police officer • Fraudulent degree • Harassment • Indecent exposure • Possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana • Prostitution • Riot • Silent Calls to 911 • Terroristic threat
Class A Misdemeanors
• Up to one year in the county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4000. • Up to two years of community supervision or three years with an extension Examples: • Assault with bodily injury • Bail jumping of misdemeanor offense • Burglary of coin operated machine • Burglary of a vehicle • Cruelty to animals • DWI (2nd offense) • Escape from misdemeanor custody • Evading arrest on foot • Interference with 911 call • Obscenity • Perjury • Possession of two to four ounces of marijuana • Promoting gambling • Public lewdness • Resisting arrest • Stealing check • Unlawfully carrying a weapon • Violation of protective order
Uniform Crime Reports
• Violent crimes • Property crimes • Some crimes are greatly under reported The UCR Program compiles data from monthly law enforcement reports or individual crime incident records transmitted directly to the FBI or to centralized state agencies that then report to the FBI.
The suspect enters a plea
•Not guilty •Guilty •Nolo contendere (Will not contest the guilty verdict, the defendant is pleading guilty, without actually announcing that they plead guilty in the courtroom)
Who is more likely to become a victim of crime?
•Urban areas •Low-income vs. high-income areas •Gender •Minority groups •Region -Certain groups are more likely to be criminals than others •The predominate profile Do Criminals and their victims resemble each other? Answer: Yes, in general •Most crimes occur within social groups •Many occur within familial groups •Race
