Local Trial Courts in Texas
There are two types of local trial courts in Texas: Municipal Courts and Justice of Peace Courts. The first type has limited criminal jurisdiction. Municipal Courts are created by Texas Legislature to work at the city level. The amount of courts in each location depends up its population and public needs. “These courts have original and exclusive jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances” (“Trial Courts”). Municipal Courts often hear traffic cases, civil disputes, class “C” misdemeanor criminal cases with small fine as a punishment and other cases involving city ordinance violations. Each court has one judge, which can issue arrest and search warrants. Person can choose between the jury trial and the trial before the judge; retain an attorney or represent himself. Jury or judge renders a verdict of guilty or not guilty basing on evidences. “The Judge will also assess the defendant's fine and order the costs and fees to be paid by the defendant when the defendant is found guilty” (“Municipal Courts Trials”). …show more content…
They work with minor civil cases and criminal offences where the maximum sum of compensation is less than $10,000. Courts can issue same types of warrants as Municipal Courts and serve as the coroner, if there is no other medical examiner. Small Claims Courts give only monetary compensations – they can not make person to start or stop doing something. Cases from both types of institutions are appealed by State Intermediate Appellate Courts that have intermediate appellate jurisdiction. Defendants have rights to appeal their convictions, if they have records of the trial and the motion for a new trial was made before the 10th day after judgment. No new evidences and witnesses can be presented on the appeal of a
There are two types of local trial courts in Texas: Municipal Courts and Justice of Peace Courts. The first type has limited criminal jurisdiction. Municipal Courts are created by Texas Legislature to work at the city level. The amount of courts in each location depends up its population and public needs. “These courts have original and exclusive jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances” (“Trial Courts”). Municipal Courts often hear traffic cases, civil disputes, class “C” misdemeanor criminal cases with small fine as a punishment and other cases involving city ordinance violations. Each court has one judge, which can issue arrest and search warrants. Person can choose between the jury trial and the trial before the judge; retain an attorney or represent himself. Jury or judge renders a verdict of guilty or not guilty basing on evidences. “The Judge will also assess the defendant's fine and order the costs and fees to be paid by the defendant when the defendant is found guilty” (“Municipal Courts Trials”). …show more content…
They work with minor civil cases and criminal offences where the maximum sum of compensation is less than $10,000. Courts can issue same types of warrants as Municipal Courts and serve as the coroner, if there is no other medical examiner. Small Claims Courts give only monetary compensations – they can not make person to start or stop doing something. Cases from both types of institutions are appealed by State Intermediate Appellate Courts that have intermediate appellate jurisdiction. Defendants have rights to appeal their convictions, if they have records of the trial and the motion for a new trial was made before the 10th day after judgment. No new evidences and witnesses can be presented on the appeal of a