By: Gallego H.J.R. No. 17
73R309 GWK-D
A JOINT RESOLUTION
1-1 proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the number of
1-2 jurors in a misdemeanor case tried in district court.
1-3 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-4 SECTION 1. Article V, Section 13, of the Texas Constitution
1-5 is amended to read as follows:
1-6 Sec. 13. Except as otherwise provided by this section, grand
1-7 <Grand> and petit juries in the District Courts shall be composed
1-8 of twelve men; but nine members of a grand jury shall be a quorum
1-9 to transact business and present bills. The Legislature may
1-10 provide by law that, in trials of misdemeanor cases in District
1-11 Courts, petit juries shall be composed of six persons. In trials
1-12 of civil cases<, and in trials of criminal cases below the grade of
1-13 felony in the District Courts,> nine members of the jury,
1-14 concurring, may render a verdict, but when the verdict shall be
1-15 rendered by less than the whole number, it shall be signed by every
1-16 member of the jury concurring in it. When, pending the trial of
1-17 any case, one or more jurors not exceeding three, may die, or be
1-18 disabled from sitting, the remainder of the jury shall have the
1-19 power to render the verdict; provided, that the Legislature may
1-20 change or modify the rule authorizing less than the whole number of
1-21 the jury to render a verdict.
1-22 SECTION 2. This proposed amendment shall be submitted to the
1-23 voters at an election to be held on November 2, 1993. The ballot
1-24 shall be printed to provide for voting for or against the
2-1 proposition: "The constitutional amendment permitting six-person
2-2 juries in misdemeanor cases tried in district court."