Texas Criminal Justice System Introduction: Texas is the second largest U.S. state (both in size and population), located in the southern central region of the United States. As of January of 2024, Texas had a population of 30,976,800 and two hundred fifty-four counties. Texas has a handful of different geographic regions, such as the basin and range province, the great plains, central lowland, coastal plain, and major bodies of water. It has a generally arid climate in the west and humid in the east. The Texas criminal justice system combines state and local agencies to enforce laws and seek justice. Law enforcement is decentralized, and the court system ranges from local to state courts. Texas is also known for its active use of the death
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According to the Texas Constitution, the governor can appoint a new district attorney to serve until the next election in the case that the current district attorney can no longer serve. Grand Jury Process: Texas uses a grand jury process as part of its criminal justice system. In Texas, grand juries are responsible for reviewing evidence in felony cases to determine whether there is probable cause to issue an indictment and proceed with a criminal trial. A grand jury in Texas generally consists of twelve jurors and up to as many as four alternates. If at least nine out of the twelve jurors agree that there is probable cause, then a “true bill” (indictment) is issued, and the case moves forward to trial. If fewer than nine jurors agree, then a “no bill” is issued and the case does not proceed. Courts: The courts of limited jurisdiction in Texas are the Justice Courts (Justice of the Peace Courts) and the Municipal Courts. Both courts are limited in the types of cases they can hear and typically focus on less severe criminal and civil matters. The courts of Original Jurisdiction in Texas are the District Courts and the County
According to the Texas Constitution, the governor can appoint a new district attorney to serve until the next election in the case that the current district attorney can no longer serve. Grand Jury Process: Texas uses a grand jury process as part of its criminal justice system. In Texas, grand juries are responsible for reviewing evidence in felony cases to determine whether there is probable cause to issue an indictment and proceed with a criminal trial. A grand jury in Texas generally consists of twelve jurors and up to as many as four alternates. If at least nine out of the twelve jurors agree that there is probable cause, then a “true bill” (indictment) is issued, and the case moves forward to trial. If fewer than nine jurors agree, then a “no bill” is issued and the case does not proceed. Courts: The courts of limited jurisdiction in Texas are the Justice Courts (Justice of the Peace Courts) and the Municipal Courts. Both courts are limited in the types of cases they can hear and typically focus on less severe criminal and civil matters. The courts of Original Jurisdiction in Texas are the District Courts and the County