Which court handles criminal appellate matters including death penalty decisions?

• A. Supreme Court of Texas
• B. Court of Appeals
• C. Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
• D. U.S. Supreme Court

Answer: (C)

In Texas, criminal appeals, including death penalty decisions, are handled by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which is the highest court for criminal matters in the state. This court reviews direct criminal appeals and has final authority on death penalty rulings at the state level. The Texas Supreme Court handles civil and juvenile matters, while the intermediate Court of Appeals reviews many criminal and civil cases but does not decide death penalty cases. If federal issues are involved, review could proceed in the U.S. Supreme Court after state remedies are exhausted.