TX Court Structure

Question 1

Municipal courts

Answer 1

Jurisdiction
1. Criminal misdemeanors punishable by
fines only.
2. Exclusive jurisdiction over municipal
ordinance violations (fines up to $2,000). 
3. Limited civil penalties in cases involving
dangerous dogs. 
4. Magistrate functions.

Question 2

District courts

Answer 2

1. Original jurisdiction in civil actions over $200 or $500, divorce, title to land, contested elections, and contested probate matters.
2. Original jurisdiction in felony criminal matters.
3. Juvenile matters.
4. district courts are named criminal district courts, some others directed to give preference to certain specialized areas.

Question 3

Constitutional county courts

Answer 3

1. Original jurisdiction in civil actions between $200 and $10,000.
2. Probate (contested matters transferred to district court).
3. Exclusive original jurisdiction over misdemeanors with fines greater than $500 or jail sentence.
4. Appeals de novo from lower courts or on the record from municipal courts of record.

Question 4

Justice of the peace courts

Answer 4

1. Civil actions under $10,000.
2. Small claims.
3. Criminal misdemeanors punishable by
   fines only.
4. Magistrate functions.

Question 5

Court of appeals

Answer 5

Intermediate appeals from trial courts in their respective courts of appeals districts.

Question 6

Supreme courts

Answer 6

Final appellate jurisdiction in civil cases and juvenile cases.

Question 7

Court of criminal appeals

Answer 7

Final appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases

Question 8

Statutory County Courts at Law (233)

Answer 8

1. Limited jurisdiction over civil matters, most under $100,000.
2. Limited jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal matters.
3. Appeals de novo from lower courts or on the record from municipal courts of record.

Question 9

Statutory Probate Courts (18)

Answer 9

1. Limited primarily to probate matters.
2. Guardianship
3. Mental Health Commission