Question

What does the Supremacy clause argue about the Court of Criminal Appeals in Texas?

1) The Court of Criminal Appeals has the final say in all criminal cases in Texas.
2) The Court of Criminal Appeals has no authority in criminal cases in Texas.
3) The Court of Criminal Appeals can only hear certain types of criminal cases in Texas.
4) The Court of Criminal Appeals is subordinate to other courts in Texas.

Answer 1

The Supremacy Clause ensures that federal law supersedes state law, which indirectly implies that the Court of Criminal Appeals in Texas, while having final jurisdiction over state criminal cases, is subordinate to the U.S. Supreme Court on federal matters. The correct answer is that this court has the final say in all criminal cases in Texas, subject to federal review when applicable.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Supremacy Clause is a key doctrine in U.S. constitutional law which holds that federal law prevails over state law, but this principle specifically does not argue about the Court of Criminal Appeals in Texas or its authority directly. Yet, it can indirectly affect state courts when a legal conflict arises between state and federal law. As for the options provided regarding the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals:

1. The Court of Criminal Appeals has the final say in all criminal cases in Texas.
2. The Court of Criminal Appeals has no authority in criminal cases in Texas.
3. The Court of Criminal Appeals can only hear certain types of criminal cases in Texas.
4. The Court of Criminal Appeals is subordinate to other courts in Texas.

The correct response is that the Court of Criminal Appeals in Texas has the final say in all criminal cases in Texas (1), though it is ultimately subordinate to the U.S. Supreme Court on matters of federal law due to the Supremacy Clause. The Supreme Court has the power to hear cases on appeal from the state level if they involve federal laws or constitutional issues.