Judicial decisions in Texas affects and is shaped by the political culture and shapes Texas’s values. Since the Republic was formed, Texas courts have ruled on murder and death penalty issues, the legality of pool halls, and the ownership of surface water.

Learning Objectives

1. Outline the structure and functions of the Texas courts.
2. Describe the function of each of the trial courts in Texas.
3. Describe the function of the appellate courts in Texas.
4. Identify problems associated with different methods of judicial selection.
5. Analyze the changes in the court’s demographics.
6. Evaluate proposals for reforming the selection of the judiciary.