Question 1

Describe the scientific testing process that may exonerate or confirm a capital felony conviction. Explain how those exonerated are compensated by the state of Texas.

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

Explain capital felony law in Texas. Include in your discussion a definition of capital felony, what the jury must consider, and its sentencing options.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain capital felony law in Texas. Include...

Question 3

A court that hears and decides cases tried for the first time has

Accepted Answer

A)  original jurisdiction. 
B)  appellate jurisdiction. 
C)  civil jurisdiction. 
D)  ultimate jurisdiction.

Question 4

The instrument that formally accuses a person of having committed a high felony and orders that person to trial is a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)  information. 
B)  indictment. 
C)  verdict. 
D)  opinion.

Question 5

Rehabilitation of Texas prison inmates is most likely to be successful if the inmate

Accepted Answer

A)  makes frequent application for parole. 
B)  goes through the state release procedures. 
C)  participates in the Prison Fellowship Ministries. 
D)  serves his full sentence and is not released on parole.

Question 6

Disputes concerning business contracts, divorce, family matters and personal injury involve

Accepted Answer

A)  criminal law. 
B)  natural law. 
C)  civil law. 
D)  civil felonies.

Question 7

The function of small claims courts in Texas is mainly performed by

Accepted Answer

A)  federal judges in small counties. 
B)  justices of the peace. 
C)  state district courts. 
D)  municipal courts.

Question 8

The Texas Constitution and state law grant the government the authority to take a person's life, property, and liberty

Accepted Answer

A)  whenever a prosecutor deems necessary. 
B)  under appropriate circumstances. 
C)  under the any circumstance. 
D)  without a court order.

Question 9

The term misdemeanor refers to a

Accepted Answer

A)  crime less serious than a felony. 
B)  crime more serious than a felony. 
C)  matter of juvenile law. 
D)  civil law matter.

Question 10

A case involving a business contract falls under which branch of law?

Accepted Answer

A)  Civil 
B)  Criminal 
C)  Constitutional 
D)  Admiralty

Question 11

Describe the structure and roles of the "state" courts (both original and appellate jurisdiction). Explain why Texas has two high courts of (final) appeals.

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Question 12

The most important role in disciplining judges is now played by the

Accepted Answer

A)  Texas Attorney General's office. 
B)  legislative "address" or impeachment process. 
C)  threat of defeat at the next election cycle. 
D)  Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Question 13

Which would not be subject to enhancement under the Texas Penal Code?

Accepted Answer

A)  A crime committed by a street gang 
B)  A crime motivated by racial hatred 
C)  A crime committed by a repeat offender 
D)  A charge of two offenses in the same criminal episode

Question 14

According to statistics compiled by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, two characteristics shared by inmates in state prisons are

Accepted Answer

A)  illiteracy and mental retardation. 
B)  poor education levels and substance abuse. 
C)  mental retardation and having been abused as a child. 
D)  having been abused as a child and illiteracy.

Question 15

Review the history of capital punishment in Texas. There are two sides to the capital punishment debate: Those in favor and those against capital punishment. What are the arguments put forth by each side in support of their position?

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Question 16

When a case can be heard by only one court, that court is said to have

Accepted Answer

A)  absolute jurisdiction. 
B)  ultimate jurisdiction. 
C)  exclusive jurisdiction. 
D)  final jurisdiction.

Question 17

The agency created to investigate complaints regarding faulty evidence in a criminal case is the

Accepted Answer

A)  Criminal Justice Committee. 
B)  Texas Forensic Science Commission. 
C)  Texas Criminal Justice System. 
D)  Committee to Stop the Death Penalty.

Question 18

What is the mission of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards?

Accepted Answer

A)  To determine whether a county needs a jail 
B)  To enforce minimum health and safety requirements for county jails 
C)  To review safety procedures at state run facilities. 
D)  To transfer prisoners from county jails to state felony jails

Question 19

Which of the following courts mainly exercises original jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

A)  State District Courts 
B)  Texas Supreme Court 
C)  State Courts of Appeals 
D)  Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

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

Exam 10: Laws, Courts, and Justice