Terms Used In Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 27.07

  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

All issues of fact presented by a special plea shall be tried by the trier of the facts on the trial on the merits.