Texas trial courts form the foundation of the state's judicial system. They handle a wide range of criminal and civil cases, with different courts having specific jurisdictions based on case type and monetary value.

The structure of Texas trial courts is complex, including county-level courts like Justice of the Peace and Constitutional County Courts, as well as District Courts. Each court type has distinct roles and jurisdictions, working together to administer justice across the state.

Types of trial courts

• Trial courts serve as the initial level of the judicial system where cases are heard and decided
• Texas has a complex system of trial courts with different levels and types of courts handling various cases
• The structure and jurisdiction of trial courts are established by the Texas Constitution and state laws

Criminal vs civil trial courts

• Criminal trial courts handle cases involving violations of criminal laws and offenses against the state
  • Examples of criminal cases include theft, assault, and murder
• Civil trial courts hear disputes between private parties or entities
  • Examples of civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property disputes
• Some trial courts have jurisdiction over both criminal and civil cases, while others specialize in one type

County-level trial courts

• County-level trial courts are located in each of Texas' 254 counties and have limited jurisdiction
• Justice of the Peace Courts handle minor criminal offenses, small civil claims, and perform magistrate duties
  • Maximum civil jurisdiction is $20,000
• Constitutional County Courts have broader jurisdiction than Justice of the Peace Courts
  • Handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $200,000, and appeals from lower courts

District-level trial courts

• District Courts are the primary trial courts in Texas with general jurisdiction over most civil and criminal cases
  • Handle felony criminal cases, divorce proceedings, and civil cases with no monetary limit
• There are over 450 District Courts in Texas, with each county having at least one
• Some larger counties have specialized District Courts focusing on specific types of cases (family law, criminal law)

Jurisdiction of trial courts

• Jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear and decide cases
• Trial courts in Texas have jurisdiction based on geography, subject matter, and monetary limits
• Jurisdiction is a crucial concept in determining which court can handle a specific case

Geographic jurisdiction

• Geographic jurisdiction is based on the location where a case arises or where the parties reside
• Each trial court has jurisdiction over cases within its defined geographic boundaries
  • Justice of the Peace Courts and Constitutional County Courts have county-wide jurisdiction
  • District Courts may cover one or more counties within their district

Subject matter jurisdiction

• Subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear cases involving specific types of legal issues
• Some trial courts have general jurisdiction, while others are limited to certain subject matters
  • District Courts have general jurisdiction over most civil and criminal cases
  • Statutory County Courts have limited jurisdiction as defined by state law

Monetary limits of jurisdiction

• Some trial courts have monetary limits on the cases they can hear based on the amount in controversy
• Justice of the Peace Courts can hear civil cases with a maximum value of $20,000
• Constitutional County Courts can hear civil cases with a maximum value of $200,000
• District Courts have no monetary limit on civil cases

Key personnel in trial courts

• Trial courts rely on various personnel to ensure the fair and efficient administration of justice
• Judges, clerks, and other court staff play critical roles in the functioning of trial courts
• The selection and qualifications of key personnel vary depending on the type of court and position

Role of judges

• Judges preside over trials, hearings, and other court proceedings
• They interpret and apply the law, make rulings on motions and objections, and issue orders and judgments
• In bench trials, judges also serve as the fact-finder and determine the outcome of the case

Selection of judges

• Trial court judges in Texas are selected through partisan elections
  • Candidates run for office as a member of a political party
• Judges are elected to four-year terms, with no term limits
• In some cases, judges may be appointed by the governor to fill vacancies until the next election

Qualifications of judges

• Qualifications for trial court judges vary depending on the level of court
• Generally, judges must be licensed attorneys in good standing with a minimum number of years of legal experience
  • District Court judges must have been practicing law for at least four years
• Judges must also be residents of the geographic area served by their court

Trial court procedures

• Trial courts follow established procedures to ensure fair and consistent handling of cases
• Procedures are governed by state laws, court rules, and constitutional principles
• Understanding trial court procedures is essential for parties involved in legal proceedings

Steps in a trial

• Trials typically follow a sequence of steps, including jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, and deliberation
• In criminal trials, defendants enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest before the trial begins
• The burden of proof lies with the prosecution in criminal cases and the plaintiff in civil cases

Rules of evidence

• Rules of evidence govern the admissibility and presentation of evidence during trials
• Evidence must be relevant, reliable, and not unfairly prejudicial to be admitted
• Witnesses are subject to direct examination, cross-examination, and redirect examination

Plea bargaining in criminal cases

• Plea bargaining is a process where defendants agree to plead guilty in exchange for reduced charges or a lighter sentence
• Over 90% of criminal cases in Texas are resolved through plea bargains
• Plea bargaining can help reduce court caseloads and provide certainty for defendants, but it has also faced criticism

Juries in trial courts

• The right to a jury trial is guaranteed by the U.S. and Texas Constitutions in certain cases
• Juries play a crucial role in the trial process, serving as fact-finders and decision-makers
• The jury selection process and the role of juries vary between criminal and civil cases

Right to a jury trial

• Criminal defendants have the right to a jury trial in cases involving offenses punishable by imprisonment
• In civil cases, the right to a jury trial applies when the amount in controversy exceeds $200
• Parties in civil cases may waive their right to a jury trial and opt for a bench trial

Jury selection process

• Potential jurors are summoned from a pool of registered voters and licensed drivers in the county
• Attorneys for both sides question potential jurors during voir dire to identify biases and challenge jurors for cause
• Each side may also exercise a limited number of peremptory challenges to remove jurors without stating a reason

Role of juries in deciding cases

• In criminal cases, juries determine guilt or innocence and must reach a unanimous verdict
• In civil cases, juries decide questions of fact and award damages, with a verdict reached by a majority vote
• Judges instruct juries on the applicable law before deliberations begin

Appeals from trial courts

• Parties who are dissatisfied with the outcome of a trial court case may have the right to appeal
• Appeals are heard by higher courts, which review the trial court's decision for legal errors
• The appeals process is governed by specific rules and procedures

Grounds for appeal

• Appeals must be based on specific legal grounds, such as errors in the application of law or violations of constitutional rights
• Factual findings by a jury are generally not subject to appeal unless there is insufficient evidence to support the verdict
• Harmless errors that do not affect the outcome of the case may not be grounds for reversal

Appellate court review

• Appellate courts review the trial court record, including transcripts and evidence, to determine if legal errors occurred
• The standard of review varies depending on the type of error alleged and the discretion afforded to the trial court
• Appellate courts may affirm the trial court's decision, reverse it, or remand the case for further proceedings

Limits on appellate review

• Appellate courts are limited to reviewing issues that were properly raised and preserved in the trial court
• New evidence or arguments generally cannot be introduced on appeal
• The scope of appellate review is limited to the record and arguments presented in the trial court

Specialty trial courts

• Specialty trial courts are designed to address specific types of cases or populations
• These courts often employ problem-solving approaches and collaborate with social services and treatment providers
• Specialty courts aim to reduce recidivism, address underlying issues, and provide alternatives to traditional sentencing

Juvenile courts

• Juvenile courts handle cases involving offenders under the age of 18
• The focus is on rehabilitation and the best interests of the child, rather than punishment
• Juvenile courts may employ diversion programs, counseling, and community-based interventions

Family courts

• Family courts handle cases related to domestic relations, including divorce, child custody, and domestic violence
• These courts aim to provide a holistic approach to family issues and minimize the impact of legal proceedings on children
• Mediation and alternative dispute resolution are often encouraged in family courts

Drug courts

• Drug courts provide an alternative to traditional criminal justice processing for non-violent drug offenders
• Participants undergo supervised drug treatment, regular drug testing, and court appearances
• Successful completion of the drug court program may result in dismissed charges or reduced sentences

Caseloads in Texas trial courts

• Texas trial courts face significant caseloads, which can impact the efficiency and timeliness of case resolution
• Various factors contribute to caseloads, and courts employ strategies to manage the volume of cases
• Adequate funding is essential for trial courts to effectively handle their caseloads and administer justice

Factors affecting caseloads

• Population growth and demographic changes in Texas contribute to increased caseloads
• Changes in state laws and policies, such as the creation of new offenses or changes in sentencing guidelines, can impact caseloads
• Economic factors, such as recessions or downturns, may lead to an increase in certain types of cases (e.g., evictions, debt collection)

Strategies for managing caseloads

• Courts may employ case management systems and technology to streamline processes and improve efficiency
• Alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, can help reduce the number of cases going to trial
• Specialty courts and diversion programs can address specific types of cases and reduce recidivism

Funding for trial courts

• Trial courts in Texas are funded through a combination of state and local sources
• Adequate funding is necessary to maintain sufficient staff, technology, and resources to handle caseloads
• The Texas Legislature determines the state budget for the judiciary, which can impact the ability of trial courts to manage their caseloads effectively