How well does the racial and gender composition of the judiciary reflect the demographics of the state's population?
Should judges be elected or appointed? What are the arguments for electing judges? What are the arguments for
appointing judges?
Should the selection system vary according to the type of judge? Why or why not?
How should judges be selected in Texas? Is there a way to make the process less political?
tn the case of elected judges. should judges recuse themselves or abstain from cases that affect their largest campaign
contributors?
How informed do you think the public is about judicial elections and judicial candidates?
If you were voting for a judge, would you take the time to learn about the candidates and their qualifications or would you
vote based on patty affiliation?
- Read Chapter 12. including "You Decide: Voices of Texas: Abortion Policy in Texas,” and write an essay answering the
following questions:
How does Texas compare to other states with regards to providing services for poor citizens?
What is the age and race/ethnicity breakdown of the uninsured in Texas?
What programs are used to provide coverage to the uninsured? How are those programs funded?
What steps has Texas taken to influence abortion rates in the state?
Does Texas’ sonogram law violate free speech for the physician? For the patient?
Should the state pass laws mandating what information physicians share with their patients?
- Read Chapier 13. including "You Decide: Voices of Texas: Cite and Release: Necessary Cost-Savings or Soft on
Crime?" and write an essay answering the following questions:
Are all defendants treated equally in the Texas criminal justice system? Why or why not?
Why do you think certain groups are overrepresented or underrepresented in the prison system?
At times the integrity of the criminal justice system has been called into question. What are some of the events that have
led to this situation?
Sample Solution