Question 1

A court that has specific authority to decide a particular type of case has

Accepted Answer

A)  concurrent jurisdiction. 
B)  exclusive jurisdiction. 
C)  civil jurisdiction. 
D)  original jurisdiction.

Question 2

In a civil jury trial in a state district court, the judge

Accepted Answer

A)  finds the fact, and the jury applies the law. 
B)  applies the law, and the jury finds the facts. 
C)  applies the law and consults with the jury to find the facts. 
D)  maintains order in the court, while the jury finds the facts and applies the law.

Question 3

A trend in the representation of poor people accused of a felony or misdemeanor case that may result in incarceration is

Accepted Answer

A)  more poor people are representing themselves. 
B)  more private attorneys are representing the poor. 
C)  more counties are establishing public defender's offices to represent the poor. 
D)  the Texas Indigent Defense Commission has taken over the responsibility for providing attorneys for poor people.

Question 4

Approximately one-third of all lawsuits are tried by a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)  jury. 
B)  judge. 
C)  arbiter. 
D)  commissioner.

Question 5

The State Bar of Texas has the authority to take all the following actions, except to

Accepted Answer

A)  suspend attorneys. 
B)  disbar attorneys. 
C)  discipline attorneys. 
D)  impeach attorneys.

Question 6

In order to be a practicing attorney in the State of Texas, a lawyer must be

Accepted Answer

A)  a member of the State Bar of Texas. 
B)  a graduate of a Texas law school. 
C)  registered with the National Lawyers Guild. 
D)  a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.

Question 7

Texas is divided into ______ appeals court districts?

Accepted Answer

A)  10 
B)  12 
C)  14 
D)  16

Question 8

What is the major way that the Missouri Plan differs from the appointment-retention system for selecting judges?

Accepted Answer

A)  The people can vote on the appointed judge after he or she serves in office for a while. 
B)  The governor nominates someone for a judgeship. 
C)  A nominating commission recommends a panel of nominees to the governor. 
D)  The legislature prefers the Missouri Plan.

Question 9

Briefly explain the roles of the judge and jury in a civil trial.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly explain the roles of the judge...

Question 10

Explain two alternatives to the Texas method of selecting judges. Do you think Texas should adopt one of these methods? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain two alternatives to the Texas method...

Question 11

Since the 1990s there has been much heated debate on tort reform. What is a tort? What reforms were made limiting recoveries in 2003, and what has been the result?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Since the 1990s there has been much...

Question 12

A panel of prospective jurors, chosen by random selection, is called a

Accepted Answer

A)  voir dire. 
B)  venire. 
C)  peremptory challenge. 
D)  stratified sampling.

Question 13

How are justices of the peace selected, what qualifications are required of them, and what is their jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How are justices of the peace selected,...

Question 14

A violation of the Arlington municipal fire code would be tried in the

Accepted Answer

A)  Tarrant County court at law. 
B)  district court in Tarrant County. 
C)  Arlington municipal court. 
D)  Tarrant County justice of the peace.

Question 15

Texas courts that have exclusive original jurisdiction over slander are

Accepted Answer

A)  state district courts. 
B)  justice of the peace courts. 
C)  probate courts. 
D)  county courts at law.

Question 16

If you were owed $8,000 and wanted to represent yourself rather than hire an attorney, in which court would you file your case?

Accepted Answer

A)  Justice of the peace court 
B)  Municipal court 
C)  County court 
D)  County court-at-law

Question 17

In civil cases, which types of damages would compensate a plaintiff for mental anguish or emotional distress?

Accepted Answer

A)  Economic 
B)  Noneconomic 
C)  Punitive 
D)  Statutory

Question 18

Which statement regarding the appellate jurisdiction of the intermediate and highest level Texas appellate courts is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

A)  All courts have more than one justice. 
B)  All justices are popularly elected for six-year terms. 
C)  All cases involving money disputes can be appealed. 
D)  Justices must be attorneys with prior legal or judicial experience.

Question 19

Petit or trial juries in Texas are composed of __________ members.

Accepted Answer

A)  six 
B)  twelve 
C)  either six or twelve 
D)  three

Question 20

The compensation for a lawyer based on a percentage of a winning lawsuit is known as a

Accepted Answer

A)  retainer. 
B)  contingency fee. 
C)  rebate. 
D)  kickback.

Exam 11: The Judicial Branch