Texas House Bill HB4169

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the County Court at Law of Coryell County.

Impact

The implications of HB 4169 include a significant shift in how jury trials are conducted in Coryell County. By changing the standard number of jurors from twelve to six, the bill aims to reduce the logistical burdens associated with jury selection and potentially decrease the time taken for trials. This legislative change is expected to affect existing statutes related to jury trials and may set a precedent for other counties in Texas to consider similar reforms in their judicial processes.

Summary

House Bill 4169 addresses specific procedural aspects of the County Court at Law in Coryell County, Texas. The bill proposes an amendment to the Government Code that impacts jury composition in cases under the jurisdiction of this court. Under the new provision, if a jury trial is requested, the jury shall consist of six members, unless a twelve-member jury is required by the state constitution. This change is designed to streamline the trial process in county courts, reflecting a modern approach to jury composition that can help expedite court proceedings.

Contention

Notably, there may be points of contention surrounding the amendment given the traditional view of jury trials in the legal system. Critics might argue that a six-member jury could compromise the jury's effectiveness in deliberating on cases, believing that a smaller jury might not fully represent the community's voice. Proponents, however, may counter that a six-member jury is sufficient for the scope of cases handled by the county court, promoting efficiency without sacrificing fairness.

Last_action

The bill's last recorded action was its referral to the Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence committee on April 10, 2015. This indicates ongoing legislative attention and discussion surrounding the bill, although its current status and progress through the legislative process remain to be clarified.