Texas State Civil Hierarchy Justice Of The Peace Not a court of record Class C Misdemeanor Civil up to $10,000 County

Court Court of Record Civil cases $5,000-100,00 254 counties County Court Of Law Civil Cases less than $100,000

District Court Land Disputes Civil Cases up to $10,000 Court of Appeals Civil cases have 1 right to appeal 9 Judges Court of Appeals can Affirm- Not overturn the decision. Saying no misrake was made. Reverse- reverse the decision and send it back down for new trial/decision. Reverse and render- Saying not only was the decision wrong, but it is so obvious that the disicion is rendered there at that time in the appelate court. Substantial Rule- Appeal can only happen if there is a GREAT deal of evidence to overturn the previous decision. Supreme Court 12 judges

Constitutional Courts Justice Of The Peace Court County Court Statutory Courts County Court Of Law District Court Jurisdiction Subject matter jurisdiction- is the authority of a court to hear cases of a particular type or cases relating to a specific subject matter. Location Jurisdiction- power of the court to render a judgment concerning events that have occurred within a well-defined territory Stare Decisis- Let the decision stand. Decision of Fact "to stand by that which is decided." The principal that the precedent decisions are to be followed by the courts. To abide or adhere to decided cases. It is a general maxim that when a point has been settled by decision, it forms a precedent which is not afterwards to be departed from.

State AgenciesExecutive Branch Agencies Political appointments by President Independent Regulatory Commissions Appointed by President Term Position Can not be removed at the will of the President Abuse of DiscretionTort- Action or inaction directed towards another person that causes injury Intentional Tort Battery (touching without permission) Slander-Verbal lies Libel- Written Lies Assault- Threaten to injure False Imprisonment Unintentional Tort Negligence -Duty -Breach of duty -damage -Causation

Damages = $ -Actual damages- clothing, medical bills, auto bills, etc. -Punitive damages- money paid as a punishment -Statutory damages- reimburse attorney fees, fines, etc. Comparative Negligence- if over 50% of the cause found that person pays that percent of the damages. Alternative Dispute Resolution -Communication -Mediation o Informal process where a 3rd party facilitates a resolution. No witnesses o Mediator does not make the decision - Arbitration o 3rd party makes the decision o Formal process o Witnesses, evidence presented Binding- Ruling of arbitrator is final Non Binding- ruling is advisory only Masters Servant- Master is responsible for the acts of the servant. Unadjudicated Probation (Deferred Adjudication)- probation completed like regular probation, but after it is completed with our any problems, the conviction is dismissed. Vicarious Liability- Employers are automatically liable in sexual harassment cases.