14 Civil Process - BPOC 736, Module C, Chapter 14 Flashcards
What consequences could result from an officer’s failure to follow procedure?
Arrest and prosecution criminally, civil prosecution, embarrassment for both the officer, the department, and the profession, alienation of the profession from the people they serve, the city, county, state, municipality, and/or special district could be held liable for money damages, an officer may be held liable in their individual capacity
What can officers do to prevent these actions?
Understand the responsibility they are held to, have a thorough knowledge of the laws of the state, have a thorough knowledge of the application of Constitutional restraints on police officers and the due processes due to citizens
According to TCPRC 7.001, can an officer be held personally liable for actual damages to a person injured by the officer’s neglect or refusal to perform a required duty?
Yes
Can an officer be held in contempt of court for neglecting or refusing to perform a duty under TCPRC 7.001?
Yes
What is the range of punishment for contempt of court for refusal to perform a duty?
Not less than $10 or more than $100 plus costs
How much notice must an officer be given of a contempt hearing against him?
10 days
Can a party seek both contempt sanctions and damages?
No.
Is an officer liable for damages resulting from the execution of a writ issued by a court of Texas if the officer in good faith executes or attempts to execute the writ as provided by law and by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure?
No.
Does bond need to be posted for an officer to execute a writ issued by a court in Texas?
No.
Is there a defense to an officer’s conduct?
Yes. The officer can show that he acted in good faith by proving that a reasonably prudent officer, in the same or similar circumstances, could have believed that the officer’s conduct was justified based on the information the officer possessed when the conduct occurred.
Who is designated to execute all process and precepts directed by legal authority?
The Sheriff or the Constable
When does the Sheriff or Constable shall commit an offense related to service of process?
If he fails to return a process or precept as required or if he makes a false return
What is the punishment for failure to serve process?
A fine not more than $100 deposited into the county treasury
What laws cover criminal cases?
Texas Penal Code and Code of Criminal Conduct
What laws cover civil matters
Texas Civil Practice and Revenues Code
What is the standard used to convict in a criminal case?
Beyond a reasonable doubt
What is the standard to reach a verdict in a civil case?
By a preponderance of the evidence