Chapter 5 - Texas Politics
What is the "age of majority" in Texas with regard to civil and criminal responsibility before the law?
17
How many elections must a judge win prior to being seated on the bench under the Texas partisan election system?
2
The lowest number of states select judges through
appointment by the governor
The highest percentage of Texas inmates are
black.
Texas uses ________ to review the facts and decide whether enough evidence exists to try cases.
both grand juries and administrative hearings
The Texas Government Code allows jurisdictions to draw upon which source(s) for jury selection?
both registered voters and licensed drivers
Most voters go to the election booth with scant knowledge about the qualifications of judicial candidates, and they often end up voting
by name familiarity
What are the two kinds of county courts?
constitutional county courts and county courts at law
Most court cases in Texas deal with
controversies between individuals
What is the most important difference between trial and appellate courts?
deciding points of fact versus points of law
In most states, which courts hear major criminal and civil cases?
district courts, major trial court, superior courts
Which method of judicial selection is a system left over from colonial America?
election by the legislature
In 2013, Texas's incarceration rate was _____ in the nation.
fifth highest
Since 1980, crime rates in Texas
have fallen significantly.
JP courts in Texas can do all of the following EXCEPT
hear traffic ticket appeals.
The ________ Amendment guarantees citizens in each state due process and equal protection of the law regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender.
Fourteenth
What U.S. Supreme Court case in 1972 outlawed the death penalty because it was unfairly applied to many crimes and because of the lack of safeguards in place in many states?
Furman v. Georgia
Why do political candidates often use the "tough on criminals" campaign strategy?
It is a safe issue that offends few voters.
Which state has the highest rate of incarceration?
Louisiana
Which state leads the nation in the number of prisoners executed?
Texas
Which state leads the nation in the number of prisoners sentenced to death?
Texas
Which method of judicial selection leads to the highest degree of judicial responsiveness?
nonpartisan election
How are supreme court judges selected in Texas?
partisan election
How are trial court judges selected in Texas?
partisan election
Which method of judicial selection leads to the lowest degree of judicial independence?
partisan election
Which method of judicial selection leads to the lowest level of judicial competence?
partisan election
Free or reduced-fee legal representation is known as
pro bono
In Texas as elsewhere, the criminal justice system should serve three broad purposes:
rehabilitation, deterrence, and punishment.
Which method for removing judges for misconduct is used by the fewest states?
removal by the governor after a hearing
In 1984, many incumbent Democratic judges lost their seats in large urban counties to unknown Republican challengers because of
straight ticket voting.
What is the highest court for criminal cases in Texas
the Court of Criminal Appeals
In Texas, criminal appeals involving the death penalty are heard by
the Court of Criminal Appeals.
The merit system used to identify and select judges is also known as
the Missouri system
Why does the U.S. have a dual court system?
the federal system of government
The highest number of states select judges through
a merit plan.
Of the following, who is most likely to be appointed to his or her initial seat on the court in Texas?
a municipal court judge
