BUSAD 120 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Jury Trial, Constitution Of Texas, Building Code
Document Summary
Very similar to civil court in structure. Major difference between civil and criminal courts. Civil is preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) Burden is always on the government"s prosecutor. Civil can be by a super majority, not necessarily unanimous. Most criminal cases must be declared unanimous verdict (all jurors must vote guilty) Criminal case is usually a bifurcated trial. Criminal case guarantees a jury by the constitution. Civil cases do not have a constitutional right to a jury trial. At least one trial court or trial court levels. Texas courts are a major problem area. Courts are part statutory and part constitutional. 2 tier trial courts and 3 tier of appellate court = where 2+3 = 4 tiers of courts. Can only hear city violations (criminal in nature) Therefore you have a right to a jury. Can have criminal authority from state law as well. Maximum crime is class c misdemeanors, fine only.
