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Texapedia is the most reliable, comprehensive, up-to-date encyclopedia of government and civics in the State of Texas. Explore more than 140 articles about the state’s laws, institutions, and elected officials.

Information in this online encyclopedia is drawn from primary sources, including Texas laws, government publications and data, and the Texas Constitution.

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One is for civil cases and the other for criminal cases! Learn more.

Each county is headed by a county judge. But not a “judge” in the usual sense. Learn more.

Jails hold pre-trail defendants, while prisons only hold convicted felons. Learn more.

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Community Supervision

Community supervision is an alternative to incarceration in Texas after a defendant has pleaded guilty to a crime or been convicted of a crime. 

Open Meetings

The meetings of governing bodies in Texas must be open to the public and announced with an agenda in advance.