What court has appellate jurisdiction in all criminal cases except for death penalty cases?

The courts of appeals in Texas possess appellate jurisdiction in all criminal cases, with the exception of death penalty cases, which are directly appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. This structure is outlined in the Texas Constitution and reflects the tiered nature of the state's judicial system.

The courts of appeals serve as a review body for decisions made by lower courts, providing oversight and ensuring the proper application of law. In criminal matters that do not involve the death penalty, the courts of appeals evaluate the records from trial courts and determine if any errors warrant a reversal or modification of the decision made in those lower courts. This role is critical for maintaining justice and upholding the legal rights of individuals involved in criminal proceedings.

While other courts, such as district courts, county courts, and justice courts, play important roles in the legal system, they do not have the same broad appellate jurisdiction over criminal cases as the courts of appeals. District courts often handle more serious criminal cases initially but do not serve as an appellate body for all criminal cases. County and justice courts deal primarily with misdemeanor offenses and civil matters, respectively, and do not have the authority to hear appeals from felonies, making the courts of appeals the correct answer for this jurisdictional question.