POLS 207 - Final Exam Questions with Correct Answers Latest Update

POLS 207 - Final Exam Questions with Correct Answers Latest Update How does Texas compare to other states in terms of the number of trial courts we have inside the state? - Answers Texas ranks #1 in number of trial courts A criminal offense that is more serious than a misdemeanor is called a _____ - Answers felony A document, which may be written after judges make a decision, that expresses the view of the judges, and which may explain their reasoning, on a particular case is called a(n) - Answers opinion Amicus curiae briefs can be filed by? Why? - Answers - interested parties that are not directly involved in a case - it provides an avenue for outside groups to have a say in the judicial process If you dump something in violation of city ordinances or if you are caught with alcohol as a minor, you'll end up in ____ court. - Answers municipal If your landlord refused to return your security deposit, you might appear before a ____________ to try to get your deposit back. - Answers Justice of the Peace If you sue your roommate for ruining your laptop in justice court and she appeals the case, the case will end up in ______________. These courts have original jurisdiction on civil matters between $200 and $200,000. - Answers county court at law A Class of criminal offenses that are minor wrongdoings are called ______ - Answers misdemeanors The justices in ____________ may decide the case based upon the brief alone or they may hear oral arguments, during which attorneys for both sides present their cases in person to the justices. - Answers appellate courts Texas has a system of two supreme courts. This is referred to as _________ - Answers dual structure Which type of misdemeanor is the most severe? - Answers Class A _____ is where jurors are questioned by attorneys and judges in court to determine if a potential juror is biased, cannot deal with the issues fairly, or knows a party to the case. - Answers Voir dire What has happened to Texas's prison population in recent years? - Answers It has plateaued (stayed the same) and then decreased. What is one significant and consistent problem with correctional institutions in Texas? - Answers overcrowding Drug offenses are based on - Answers - the type and amount of drug in question - how the drug was concealed - whether the defendant manufactured, delivered, or possessed the drug What was the nickname for the electric chair used in Texas from 1923 to 1964? - Answers "Old Sparky" The legislature also created the _________ to provide funds to victims for loss of property, personal injury or death. - Answers Crime Victim's Compensation Act If a person found guilty for burglary of a vehicle, what is the possible punishment s/he would get? - Answers Up to 180 days in prison up to one year in jail and/or fine up to $4000 According to Texas Criminal Justice Process, which stage comes after the arrest of the convicted? - Answers Bond set at arraignment Possessing less than 2 ounces of Group B type of drug (marijuana) falls under which crime category? - Answers Misdemeanor B The _____________________ role is to interpret Texas laws in matters ranging from minor criminal offenses to interpreting the Texas Constitution. - Answers judicial branch's The official territory and types of cases over which a court exercises authority, is referred to as - Answers jurisdiction The court in which the case is first heard is referred to as - Answers original jurisdiction The authority of a court to review a case first heard by a lower court is referred to as - Answers appellate jurisdiction Cases in which the government brings suit against the defendant for violating the law and in which the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, are ______. - Answers criminal cases Cases in which individuals, corporations, or the government bring suit against another party and must prove that the harm was done to them beyond a "preponderance of evidence" are _________. - Answers civil cases The ___________________ of the court also allows for higher courts to check bad decisions or incorrect rulings by lower courts. - Answers hierarchal nature Texas courts interpret law by relying on legal traditions—the Texas Constitution, legislation, and _________. - Answers common law ______ in Texas have original and exclusive jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances and over Class C misdemeanors, the lowest level of punishment severity of all misdemeanors. - Answers municipal courts __________ are a specific type of local trial court. Contrary to popular belief, justices of the peace who administer these courts do not just issue marriage licenses. In reality, they hear cases that involve small claims, civil actions of $10,000 or less, and criminal offences punishable by fine but not prison - Answers Justice courts The Texas Constitution vests broad judicial and administrative powers in _________________ who also oversee a five-member commissioner's court. This court has budgetary and administrative authority over county government operations - Answers county judges The process by which there is official recognition and registration of the validity of the last will and testimony of a person is referred to as - Answers probate