In the context of the Texas court system, what is the function of Municipal Courts?

Municipal Courts in Texas primarily handle minor criminal offenses, which include Class C misdemeanors, such as traffic violations and other municipal ordinance violations. This court system is structured to address local law issues quickly and efficiently. These courts have jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances and misdemeanor offenses punishable by fines only, which allows them to manage a high volume of cases without the complexities associated with more serious criminal charges.

Understanding the role of Municipal Courts is essential, as they provide a first level of justice for minor infractions that affect the community directly. They do not handle criminal appeals, conduct jury trials, or manage family law cases, which are specific to other courts like District Courts. This specialization allows Municipal Courts to effectively serve their purpose in the judicial system by focusing on lesser offenses that require immediate resolution.