|
The District Courts are the trial courts of general
jurisdiction of Texas. They have exclusive, appellate, or original
jurisdiction of all actions, proceedings, and remedies. District
Courts have original jurisdiction in all felony criminal cases, divorce
cases, cases involving title to land, election contest cases, civil
matters in which the amount in controversy (the amount of money or damages
involved) is $200 or more, and any matters in which jurisdiction is not
placed in another trial court. In addition, district courts have
original jurisdiction over all causes of action for which a remedy or
jurisdiction is not provided by law or by the Constitution. They
have the power to issue writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, injunction,
certiorari, sequestration, attachment, garnishment, and all writs
necessary to enforce their jurisdiction.
The District Courts are required by
law to appoint the County Auditor; appoint the Community Supervision and
Corrections Department (Adult Probation) Director; and serve on the County
Juvenile Board which oversees the operations of the Juvenile Probation
Department.
The geographical area served by each court is established by the
Legislature, but each county must be served by at least one district
court. In sparsely populated areas of the State, several counties
may be served by a single district court, while an urban county may be
served by many district courts. In Bell County, all five district
courts are located in the Bell County Justice Center Complex. |
