Texas Justice System Reviewed

Brandi, a fellow classmate and blogger of Brandi's TX state blog, recently posted “Original commentary #1,” a commentary about the role of the justice system in Texas State and local government on July 26, 2013.

Brandi highlights key points about the Texas justice system’s budget, efforts to ensure that criminals are justly punished, and the important role of the Texas attorney general. She also emphasizes the difficulty of a judge’s obligation to adjudicate objectively and without prejudice. While Brandi does not go into great detail about the complex court system, law enforcement, criminal prosecution, trials, appeals, and corrections, she does emphasize the importance of the accountability of the members of the justice system to remain abreast with current laws and regulations and maintain an acute awareness of the effects of their actions, rulings, and the messages they impart. 

Brandi does point out a key problem with the Texas justice system, being that the perceptibly "enormous" budget is not sufficient enough to carry out the large number of vital tasks performed by the its members. While the complexity of the lower judicial courts and complicated system of determining jurisdiction, electing, and appointing judges presents confusion, the budget problem presents an even greater concern. The speedy growth of the population, growing rate of impoverished, poor, and under-educated individuals, as well as the influx of drugs that enter the state exacerbates the issue. This shortage of funds poses questions about how effectively the justice system can perform the multitude of duties it is tasked with.

While I did not acquire any new information, I did enjoy reading the commentary and certainly agree with Brandi’s statement that, “The involvement of Texans in the issues that face our world is an important factor in keeping the system in balance and running the way we want it to.” I feel that all Texans would greatly benefit by being active participants in Texas State and local government by helping to mobilizing those who share their interest in the community, voting, and actively taking positions on public policy.