Author Question: Many people argue that the Texas courts have taken on a greater policy role in recent decades. How ... (Read 53 times)

corkyiscool3328 · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

Many people argue that the Texas courts have taken on a greater policy role in recent decades. How do decisions in cases involving education and environmental issues illustrate this?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is jurisdiction? Explain in terms of original and appellate jurisdiction, civil and criminal cases, and geographic jurisdiction. Is jurisdiction in the Texas judiciary simple and straightforward?

What will be an ideal response?

taylorsonier · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain the Texas Supreme Court's decision in the Edgewood case and explain the legislature's attempts to comply with the ruling, including the ultimate passage of the Robin Hood law.
2. Discuss the Texas Supreme Court's decision in the Leeper case.
3. Discuss court rulings in the two Edwards Aquifer Authority cases.
4. Discuss the Texas Supreme Court's decision in the Severance v. Patterson case.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Define and explain original and appellate jurisdiction.
2. Explain the distinction between the Penal Code and civil law.
3. Explain that many courts have jurisdiction within specific geographic areas, such as a city or county or region of the state.
4. Explain that while jurisdiction at the upper levels of the court system is well defined, lower courts have some overlapping functions and jurisdiction, particularly between constitutional county courts and justice of the peace and district courts.