FOCL Practice Test

Which court automatically reviews capital murder convictions?

1. Supreme Court

2. Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

3. District court

4. Appeals Court

The correct answer is: Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the court that automatically reviews capital murder convictions in Texas. This court has exclusive jurisdiction over all criminal cases in which the death penalty has been imposed, ensuring that there is a higher level of scrutiny for these serious consequences. The automatic review process is part of the due process in capital cases, as these convictions carry the ultimate penalty. This means that once a capital murder sentence is handed down, the case is automatically sent to this higher court for an additional review of both the conviction and the sentence, which is intended to uphold justice and safeguard against wrongful executions. Other courts, such as the Supreme Court, handle broader constitutional issues and might intervene on appeal, but they do not automatically review every capital case like the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals does. Meanwhile, district courts and appeals courts do not have the same jurisdiction or automatic review process for capital cases, making the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals the correct choice.