1|Page
POLS 207 EXAM 5 | 2025-2026 LATEST UPDATED | ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS | 100% RATED
CORRECT | 100% VERFIED SOLTIONS | ALREADY GRADED
A+
Compare and contrast the following aspects of criminal and civil law: (some
information will be further along in the slides that others)
—Origin of cases
—Parties involved and their objectives
—Percent of cases that go to trial
—Location of trials
—Bases of decisions/outcomes - (answer)origin of cases:
criminal - harmful to society as a whole (both misdemeanor and felony)
civil - legal disputes between "individuals" over unmet obligations or perceived
harms
parties involved and their objectives:
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criminal - the state (as both the accuser and prosecutor)
civil - plaintiff files complaint or legal suit against defendant. objectives are
monetary damages, determination of rights, etc.
percent of cases that go to trial:
criminal - 10% (most cases end in plea bargain)
civil - 90%
location of trials:
criminal - county courtrooms w/ county prosecutors and judges
civil - start in country/state courts. deal with question of fact and law
bases of decisions/outcomes:
criminal - "beyond a reasonable doubt"
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civil - "preponderance of evidence"
Overview the prosecution process under criminal law. - (answer)- arrest made
- charge(s) filed, arraignment hearing held
- evidence presented to grand jury, indictment returned
- trial process begins (multiple hearings, then trial)
*very lengthy*
Describe the similarities and differences between the two types of criminal
offenses in Texas. - (answer)misdemeanors - less serious punishment: shorter times
in county jail, community service, and/or fine
felonies - more serious punishment: longer sentences in state prison or county jail,
community service, and/or fine
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Using the fallen-tree example, highlight the aspects of the civil trial process that
are unique from a criminal one. - (answer)- "loser" must compensate "winner"
- hear from witnesses and present evidence
- can be totally or partially responsible
Discuss the case loads of both federal and state courts and explain the differences. -
(answer)State courts handle issues under state law
- 99.9% of 22 million criminal cases in US annually
- 99.8% of 27 million civil cases nationwide annually
Federal courts handle issues under federal law
- very few cases compared to state courts
Describe the hierarchy of three main groups of state courts. - (answer)trial courts --
> intermediate appellate court --> supreme court
POLS 207 EXAM 5 | 2025-2026 LATEST UPDATED | ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS | 100% RATED
CORRECT | 100% VERFIED SOLTIONS | ALREADY GRADED
A+
Compare and contrast the following aspects of criminal and civil law: (some
information will be further along in the slides that others)
—Origin of cases
—Parties involved and their objectives
—Percent of cases that go to trial
—Location of trials
—Bases of decisions/outcomes - (answer)origin of cases:
criminal - harmful to society as a whole (both misdemeanor and felony)
civil - legal disputes between "individuals" over unmet obligations or perceived
harms
parties involved and their objectives:
,2|Page
criminal - the state (as both the accuser and prosecutor)
civil - plaintiff files complaint or legal suit against defendant. objectives are
monetary damages, determination of rights, etc.
percent of cases that go to trial:
criminal - 10% (most cases end in plea bargain)
civil - 90%
location of trials:
criminal - county courtrooms w/ county prosecutors and judges
civil - start in country/state courts. deal with question of fact and law
bases of decisions/outcomes:
criminal - "beyond a reasonable doubt"
,3|Page
civil - "preponderance of evidence"
Overview the prosecution process under criminal law. - (answer)- arrest made
- charge(s) filed, arraignment hearing held
- evidence presented to grand jury, indictment returned
- trial process begins (multiple hearings, then trial)
*very lengthy*
Describe the similarities and differences between the two types of criminal
offenses in Texas. - (answer)misdemeanors - less serious punishment: shorter times
in county jail, community service, and/or fine
felonies - more serious punishment: longer sentences in state prison or county jail,
community service, and/or fine
, 4|Page
Using the fallen-tree example, highlight the aspects of the civil trial process that
are unique from a criminal one. - (answer)- "loser" must compensate "winner"
- hear from witnesses and present evidence
- can be totally or partially responsible
Discuss the case loads of both federal and state courts and explain the differences. -
(answer)State courts handle issues under state law
- 99.9% of 22 million criminal cases in US annually
- 99.8% of 27 million civil cases nationwide annually
Federal courts handle issues under federal law
- very few cases compared to state courts
Describe the hierarchy of three main groups of state courts. - (answer)trial courts --
> intermediate appellate court --> supreme court
