Texas Gov Chapter 5

In 20l4, Texas's incarceration rate was how high compared to the rest of the nation?

5th

Texas uses what to review the facts and decide whether enough evidence exists to try cases?

Administrative hearing

In the merit systems, appointed judges rarely lose retention elections mainly because of what?

Appointed judges don't have competition

The highest percentage of Texas inmates are of what major group?

Black/ African American

What are the two kinds of county courts?

Constitutional county courts and county courts at law

Most court cases in Texas deal with what kind of issues?

Controversies between individuals

In Texas, criminal appeals involving the death penalty are heard by what court?

Court of Criminal appeals

What is the highest court for criminal cases in Texas?

Court of Criminal appeals

How are courts different from legislatures?

Courts can not initiate policy change

In Texas, appellate Courts do Specifically what?

Decide whether law and procedures have been followed

The strict procedural rules that govern courts does what?

Determine when, how and what facts can be presented

A murder case would most likely first be tried in what kind of court?

District courts

In most states, which courts hear major criminal and civil cases?

District courts, trial courts and superior courts

Which method of judicial selection is a system left over from colonial America?

Election by legislature

According to Figure 5.2, what is the most common way of selecting Appellate court judges

Merit plan

The highest number of states courts use this method for selecting judges.

Merit system

The merit system used to identify and select judges is also known as?

Missouri System

In terms of responsiveness and competency, judges appointed by governors are typically of what kind?

More competent less responsive

The Frontlines program entitled "Justice for Sale" highlighted how justices of Texas's supreme court had received money in donations. How much was donated?

More than 9 million

Who is most likely to be appointed as a judge to his or her initial seat on the court in Texas?

Municipal Court judge

Considering all Texas judges, what judges are not selected on partisan election basis?

Municipal/ local

Most voters go to the election booth with scant knowledge about the qualifications of judicial candidates, and they often end up voting based on what?

Name Familiarity

What is the primary attribute voters use to select judges?

Name Familiarity

Which method of judicial selection leads to the highest degree of judicial responsiveness?

Non partisan election

Judges must base their decisions only on the federal and state constitutions, statues, and earlier court decisions. This concept is called....?

Objectivity

How are supreme court judges selected in Texas?

Partisan Election

Across all fifty states, the most common method for selecting trial court judges is?

Partisan Elections

Which method of judicial selection leads to the lowest degree of judicial independence?

Partisan election

Which method of judicial selection leads to the lowest degree of judicial responsiveness?

Partisan election

Which method for removing judges for misconduct is used by the fewest states?

Removal by the governor

What is the most important difference between trial and appellate courts

Trial deals with facts Appellate deals with point of law

The Texas Government Code allows jurisdictions to draw upon which source(s) for jury selection?

Voter registration and licensed drivers

What kind of court is the justice of the peace?

magistrate courts

How are trial court judges selected in Texas?

partisan election

Why does the U.S. have a dual court system?

federal system of government

The lowest number of states select judges through what method?

Legislative election

What U.S. Constitutional Amendment guarantees citizens in each state due process and equal protection of the law regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender?

14th Amendment

As of 2016, what percentage of all Texas judges are female?

33-34%

Why do political candidates often use the "tough on criminals" campaign strategy?

It is a safe issue and doesn't offend voters

If a court makes a ruling based on a previous ruling from another court this is an example of the principle known as. ...

Stare Decisis

In 1984, many incumbent Democratic judges lost their seats in large urban counties to unknown Republican challengers because of what motive?

Straight ticket voting