What jurisdiction do the Justice Courts have?

• A. Civil only
• B. Criminal and Civil A misdemeanors
• C. Criminal and Civil C misdemeanors
• D. Felony only

Answer: (C)

Justice Courts in Texas have narrowly defined authority: they handle the least serious criminal offenses and small civil claims. They deal with Class C misdemeanor crimes, which are punishable by a fine only, and they hear civil actions that fall within a limited monetary range (the Civil C category). They do not handle felony cases and they do not hear higher-level misdemeanors (Class A or B) or larger civil suits. This is why the best choice describes jurisdiction as both criminal Class C misdemeanors and civil matters in the Civil C category. When cases involve more serious crimes or larger civil amounts, they move to higher courts such as district court or county court at law.