Here is an article that provides recent drunk driving statistics, a reminder of the consequences, and prevention strategies to reduce drunk driving.
2025 Drunk Driving Statistics and Prevention Methods
Updates 3.12.2025
It has been a busy March so far, with a JP Conference and a Civil Process Conference back-to-back with JPCA Day right in the middle! We had such a great time welcoming so many of you to Austin!
There are several great webinars and trainings coming up, both from TJCTC and other outside groups. Make sure to scroll down all the way to register for the webinars this week. **There is one this week!**
More than 200 JPCA members at the Capitol for JPCA Day!
The Justices of the Peace and Constables Association had a great showing at the Capitol for your annual legislative day. While members of the TJCTC staff didn’t attend, we sure enjoyed seeing you all before and after at our conferences.
As this legislative session is underway, we wanted to remind you all that TJCTC will provide legislative updates late this summer (registration coming soon), but if you are interested on what is going on at the legislature now, contact your JPCA legislative teams – https://jpca.com/legislative/.
Spots filling fast! (Judges Only)
There are still spots open for justices of the peace at the annual Impaired Driving Symposium held July 30-31 in Denton.
Visit the TAC website for more information and to register: https://www.county.org/education-and-events/calendar-of-events/2025/impaired-driving-symposium/overview
Constable Corner
First Responder Wellness Week
This week is Wellness Week, and Lexipol has compiled a week’s worth of trainings, resources, and reminders for you to be the best you can be mentally and physically! Check them out at the Lexipol website by clicking the button below
Note: This is not a TJCTC sponsored training, but from a reputable criminal justice training agency.
Webinar from State Bar Justice Court Section: From Court Receivership Application & Hearing to What the Receiver Does After Issuance in Justice Court
Friday, March 21, 2025, Noon – 1 pm
Judge Ralph D. Swearingin, Jr. and Craig Noack will present From Court Receivership Application & Hearing to What the Receiver Does After Issuance in Justice Court. This session will offer 1 hour MCLE credit. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the webinar.
Course Description: This presentation will provide some insights from the bench on post-judgment collections and the appointment of receiverships. Additionally, the presentation will provide an in-depth look at the role of a receiver once appointed, including the behind-the-scenes work involved in collaborating with the judgment debtor
Note: This is not a TJCTC sponsored webinar, but from a section of the Texas State Bar Association.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1LlWU5qsRx6H8Dv_ZcWpPA#/registration
Upcoming TJCTC Webinars
Restorative Justice Pathways for Juvenile Offenses
THIS WEEK!!! March 14th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Explore the critical intersection of emotional hygiene, shame, and juvenile behavior in our powerful session. Discover effective restorative justice strategies designed to promote healing, accountability, and meaningful community involvement within the juvenile justice system. Join us to unlock the power of restorative justice!
https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3YYucvTYS_C3ZTEKKMh_bQ#/registration
Law & Literature Webinar
April 10th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Do you want to get paid to be part of a book club? Join TJCTC’s webinar to discuss the book “Maid” that intersects the art of storytelling and the legal field.
Judge Brad Cummings from Hopkins County and TJCTC Attorney John Lackey will lead the discussion regarding the book. Also, feel free to watch the Netflix series based on the book and be ready share your thoughts!
Visit an earlier blog post for more information & to register: https://docket.wp.txstate.edu/2025/01/22/law-literature/
Clearing Your Docket While Helping Your Community: An Update
June 5th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm
This webinar will be an overview of strategies to clear criminal case dockets while ensuring that indigent defendants’ rights are protected.
It will include information about Omnibase holds, waiver of fines and fees, community service plans, other indigent assistance strategies, and include relevant legislative updates
https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_spcexLIFROSVykhcZrpsZg#/registration
Rescheduled TAC Training
Judicial Forum on Mental Health (Judges Only)
The Judicial Forum on Mental Health will give county judges and justices of the peace information about the nature of mental illness in the courts, crucial legislative updates and how to create important partnerships.
August 14, 2025 – August 15, 2025
08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin 6505 N. Interstate 35
Austin, TX 78752
Disability Awareness Month
This month is Disability Awareness Month. Are you doing everything possible to make your court accessible for all court users?
Do you know that 1 in 4 adults in the United States experience some type of disability at some point in their life?
A disability is a visible or invisible condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as eating, sleeping, speaking, hearing, walking, seeing, breathing, caring for one’s self, or working.
We discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act and what court compliance looks like in the recently updated Interpreters Self-Paced Module.
Check out all of the Self-Paced Modules on TJCTC’s Website:
https://www.tjctc.org/onlinelearning/selfpacedmodules.html
Updates 2.27.2025
March is Upon Us!
As we finish out these last few days of February, we have several resources to share related to inquests, and some reminders about upcoming webinars and other programs.
Bulletin for Judges Conducting Inquests: Measles Outbreak
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reports the first measles-related death in the ongoing outbreak affecting the South Plains and Panhandle regions. As of February 25, 2025, 124 confirmed cases have been reported since late January, with most occurring in children. Eighteen people have been hospitalized due to complications from the virus. For a detailed breakdown of cases by county, please refer to the DSHS update: Texas Health Services
Under Texas law, a “communicable disease” is defined as an illness transmitted from an infected person, animal, or environmental source. Health & Safety Code § 81.003. If an inquest suggests that a death may be related to a communicable disease, judges are required to report it immediately to the local health authority or the Texas Department of Health. Health & Safety Code § 81.045(c).
Key Indicators of Measles in Cause of Death Investigations
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne transmission when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure, beginning with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a red rash develops, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Infected individuals are contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days after. If signs of measles are suspected in an inquest, immediate reporting and further investigation are necessary.
TJCTC is closely monitoring updates from DSHS and will keep you informed as they are provided.
Constable Corner
Webinar from Police One: Unlocking grant opportunities: Funding the future of public safety technology
Tuesday, March 11, at 1 p.m.
Learn how to maximize resources and address critical challenges, including crime scene documentation, crash reconstruction and pre-incident planning.
Note: This is not a TJCTC sponsored webinar, but from a reputable criminal justice training agency.
Webinar from State Bar Justice Court Section: From Court Receivership Application & Hearing to What the Receiver Does After Issuance in Justice Court
Friday, March 21, 2025, Noon – 1 pm
Judge Ralph D. Swearingin, Jr. and Craig Noack will present From Court Receivership Application & Hearing to What the Receiver Does After Issuance in Justice Court. This session will offer 1 hour MCLE credit. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the webinar.
Course Description: This presentation will provide some insights from the bench on post-judgment collections and the appointment of receiverships. Additionally, the presentation will provide an in-depth look at the role of a receiver once appointed, including the behind-the-scenes work involved in collaborating with the judgment debtor
Note: This is not a TJCTC sponsored webinar, but from a section of the Texas State Bar Association.
Link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1LlWU5qsRx6H8Dv_ZcWpPA#/registration
Upcoming TJCTC Webinars
Restorative Justice Pathways for Juvenile Offenses
March 14th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Explore the critical intersection of emotional hygiene, shame, and juvenile behavior in our powerful session. Discover effective restorative justice strategies designed to promote healing, accountability, and meaningful community involvement within the juvenile justice system. Join us to unlock the power of restorative justice!
Link to register: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3YYucvTYS_C3ZTEKKMh_bQ#/registration
Law & Literature Webinar
April 10th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Do you want to get paid to be part of a book club? Join TJCTC’s webinar to discuss the book “Maid” that intersects the art of storytelling and the legal field.
Judge Brad Cummings from Hopkins County and TJCTC Attorney John Lackey will lead the discussion regarding the book. Also, feel free to watch the Netflix series based on the book and be ready share your thoughts!
Learn more here: https://docket.wp.txstate.edu/2025/01/22/law-literature/
Link to register: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Er9LPQhaTl2jltrLKgyicQ#/registration
Clearing Your Docket While Helping Your Community: An Update
June 5th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm
This webinar will be an overview of strategies to clear criminal case dockets while ensuring that indigent defendants’ rights are protected.
It will include information about Omnibase holds, waiver of fines and fees, community service plans, other indigent assistance strategies, and include relevant legislative updates
Link to register: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_spcexLIFROSVykhcZrpsZg#/registration
Heart Health Awareness Month
This month is Heart Health Awareness Month. From learning and teaching about inquests, we know that poor heart health often contributes to cause of death. Here are a few facts about heart health to think about for yourself and share with families when a person passes away as a result of heart disease.
Heart disease is very common. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups. In 2022, 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States was caused by heart disease.
High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for heart disease and stroke. And just 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure has it under control.
Heart disease is costly. The cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity from heart disease amounted to $252.2 billion between 2019 and 2020.
More information and resources can be found on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/php/heart-month/index.html#cdc_generic_section_2-shareable-and-printable-tools-in-english-and-spanish
Updates 2.14.2025
Hello
We are excited to be back in the swing of things at conferences around the state! Don’t forget, this might slow down the legal board or legal call response time if staff is traveling to or teaching at a program.
This round of Updates includes some important legal announcements and links to sign up for several training opportunities, so make sure to scroll all the way to the bottom.
Don’t forget! Every court should have (as of January 1, 2025) a Juvenile/Youth Diversion Plan available for public inspection. For more resources, information, and help with this topic, please see a special post on this blog, The Docket.
Legal Question of the Week
Question: I sent a request to a Health Care Provider for records of a deceased using the form provided on your website. The provider uses an outside company to manage their records. I received a reply that I had to provide an attestation form under the Reproductive Health Care Privacy Final Rule before I can receive the records. Is this proper and, if so, what do I need to attest. Thanks,
Answer: Information on this Rule is found here: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/reproductive-health/final-rule-fact-sheet/index.html It seems like an attestation is not necessary, since the records aren’t being sought to investigate lawfulness of reproductive health care. However, you certainly can sign an attestation that you are not seeking the information for any prohibited purposes, since you are not, and that may be easier than arguing about the need. A model form may be found here: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/model-attestation.pdf
Upcoming Webinars
When Evictions Met AirBNB: A Conversation
February 27th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
This webinar will feature a justice of the peace and constable discussing issues around short-term vacation rentals, tenants vs. lodgers, property owners’ rights, and more.
Registration Link: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JjFkV1wLSqKA4bMj32fjsA#/registration
Restorative Justice Pathways for Juvenile Offenses
March 14th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Explore the critical intersection of emotional hygiene, shame, and juvenile behavior in our powerful session. Discover effective restorative justice strategies designed to promote healing, accountability, and meaningful community involvement within the juvenile justice system. Join us to unlock the power of restorative justice!
Registration Link: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3YYucvTYS_C3ZTEKKMh_bQ#/registration
Law & Literature Webinar
April 10th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Do you want to get paid to be part of a book club? Join TJCTC’s webinar to discuss the book “Maid” that intersects the art of storytelling and the legal field.
Judge Brad Cummings from Hopkins County and TJCTC Attorney John Lackey will lead the discussion regarding the book. Also, feel free to watch the Netflix series based on the book and be ready share your thoughts!
Learn more on an earlier post from The Docket: https://docket.wp.txstate.edu/2025/01/22/law-literature/
Registration Link: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Er9LPQhaTl2jltrLKgyicQ#/registration
Clearing Your Docket While Helping Your Community: An Update
June 5th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm
This webinar will be an overview of strategies to clear criminal case dockets while ensuring that indigent defendants’ rights are protected.
It will include information about Omnibase holds, waiver of fines and fees, community service plans, other indigent assistance strategies, and include relevant legislative updates.
Registration Link: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_spcexLIFROSVykhcZrpsZg#/registration
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM)
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and there is a grant-funded website with resources that anyone can use to share information with the public.
Why??
Dating violence is more common than you may think, especially among teens and young adults: 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults. And nearly half (43%) of U.S. college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.
Often, these teens end up in your court or the public might come in and ask for help with these types of issues. Access the TDVAM website here: https://www.loveisrespect.org/get-involved/tdvam/
Drunk Driving Spikes During Super Bowl Weekend
Impaired driving increases during Super Bowl Weekend. This article gives you more information about the dangers of impaired driving and ways to fight it.
TJCTC Updates 1.31.2025
Hello,
We have finally made it to the end of January. Between the winter storms and getting back to a normal schedule, it has been a long month!
Hopefully you get some much-needed rest and relaxation this weekend, to get ready for all of the training we have in store for February! Make sure to read all the way to the end – we have some fun and informative online training coming your way soon.
Don’t forget! Every court should have (as of January 1, 2025) a Juvenile/Youth Diversion Plan available for public inspection. For more resources, information, and help with this topic, please see a previous post on The Docket.
Constable Corner
5 New Skills Every Public Safety Leader Needs to Succeed Today
Thursday, February 6 | 1 pm Eastern
Presented by: Battalion Chief Bruce Bjorge and Chief (Ret.) Dave Funkhouser
As a public safety leader, you likely completed coursework in leadership, possibly on your way to earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You may have even been fortunate enough to receive training as you promoted into new roles. But for most leaders, these educational resources fail to address many of the challenges facing today’s agencies. Being a public safety leader today is different than it was 10 to 15 years ago. Leaders must be dynamic, flexible, and innovative with the ability to navigate complex environments and a variety of challenges, from changes in technology to community expectations and increased accountability.
Join Lexipol for a webinar with Battalion Chief (Ret.) Bruce Bjorge and Chief (Ret.) Dave Funkhouser as they share five essential skills every public safety leader needs today to excel and effectively support their teams and communities.
You’ll learn:
Key skills that modern public safety leaders need to navigate today’s challenges.
Strategies to foster innovation, adaptability, and resilience within public safety teams.
How to utilize leadership principles that align with community expectations and organizational accountability.
Register Today!
Registration is free. Can’t make it? Register anyway and they will send you a link to the recording after the event.
State Bar Justice Court Section Webinar
Justice Court Staff Psychology: Understanding Ethical Group DynamicsThursday, February 13, 2025 at noon CT
Join the Texas State Bar Justice Court Section for a webinar next month as Dr. Malinda Fasol and Daisy Espinoza present Justice Court Staff Psychology: Understanding Ethical Group Dynamics. This session will offer 1 hour ethics credit
Thursday, February 13, 2025, from noon – 1 pm
Course Description: Justice Court Staff are essential for efficient operation of Texas Justice Courts. Just like other office settings, conflicts or personalities will sometimes present challenges. The goal is harmony. Understanding group dynamics will help to prevent or resolve any such conflicts which might interfere with smooth efficient operation of a Justice Court. This course will provide useful insights for Justice Court judges as well as their staff.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Malinda Fasol is licensed by the State of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Dr. Fasol holds a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology & Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Learn more about Dr. Fasol’s background HERE.
Daisy Espinoza has been the Justice Court Manager for Tarrant County Precinct 1 for more than five years and manages all of the daily operations of the Justice Court. Learn about more Daisy’s background HERE.
Use this link to register via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4Kl7jVotQXaZLYLcahVkdg#/registration
When Evictions Met AirBNB: A Conversation
February 27th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
This webinar will feature a justice of the peace and constable discussing issues around short-term vacation rentals, tenants vs. lodgers, property owners’ rights, and more.
Use this link to register via Zoom: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JjFkV1wLSqKA4bMj32fjsA#/registration
Law & Literature Webinar
April 10th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Do you want to get paid to be part of a book club? Join TJCTC’s webinar to discuss the book “Maid” that intersects the art of storytelling and the legal field.
Judge Brad Cummings from Hopkins County and TJCTC Attorney John Lackey will lead the discussion regarding the book. Also, feel free to watch the Netflix series based on the book and be ready share your thoughts!
Learn more here: https://docket.wp.txstate.edu/2025/01/22/law-literature/
Use this link to register via Zoom: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Er9LPQhaTl2jltrLKgyicQ#/registration
Clearing Your Docket While Helping Your Community: An Update
June 5th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm
This webinar will be an overview of strategies to clear criminal case dockets while ensuring that indigent defendants’ rights are protected.
It will include information about Omnibase holds, waiver of fines and fees, community service plans, other indigent assistance strategies, and include relevant legislative updates.
Use this link to register via Zoom: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_spcexLIFROSVykhcZrpsZg#/registration
Video Series from Austin Young Lawyers Association – Did you miss it last year?
Austin Young Lawyers Association has launched “How to Pick Jurors for Your Trial in Justice Courts and Municipal Courts” video series. AYLA received a Texas Bar Foundation grant to produce these educational series for pro se litigants. The video project made possible with the support and efforts of the Travis County District Clerk.
This is a great resource to share with self-represented litigants who have questions about the trial process, especially jury selection.
You may also notice a special appearance by your colleague, Judge Sylvia Holmes.
Here is the link to the series: https://lnkd.in/eEpgdFdu
Law & Literature
Are you interested in combining your love of reading and learning about your job?
If this sounds like fun to you, join our new book club!
This spring, we will host the first Law & Literature Webinar to discuss the book Maid that intersects the art of storytelling and the legal field.
Judge Brad Cummings from Hopkins County and TJCTC Attorney John Lackey will lead the discussion regarding the book.
We didn’t forget the TV and movie lovers out there, there is also Netflix series based on the book.
Read, watch, and come for a lively discussion about Maid.
Webinar Details:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Register for the webinar: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Er9LPQhaTl2jltrLKgyicQ#/registration
More about Maid
from Goodreads:
At 28, Stephanie Land’s plans of breaking free from the roots of her hometown in the Pacific Northwest to chase her dreams of attending a university and becoming a writer, were cut short when a summer fling turned into an unexpected pregnancy. She turned to housekeeping to make ends meet, and with a tenacious grip on her dream to provide her daughter the very best life possible, Stephanie worked days and took classes online to earn a college degree, and began to write relentlessly.
Maid explores the underbelly of upper-middle class America and the reality of what it’s like to be in service to them. “I’d become a nameless ghost,” Stephanie writes about her relationship with her clients, many of whom do not know her from any other cleaner, but who she learns plenty about. As she begins to discover more about her clients’ lives-their sadness and love, too-she begins to find hope in her own path.
Her writing as a journalist gives voice to the “servant” worker, and those pursuing the American Dream from below the poverty line. Maid is Stephanie’s story, but it’s not her alone.
This is a New York Times bestselling book available in most public libraries as well as most online book retailers. We have provided a few links to purchase the book below, but don’t want to discourage you from finding it at your local libraries or bookstores!
Link to the book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maid-stephanie-land/1128617437
Link to the book on Half Price Books: https://www.hpb.com/maid-hard-work-low-pay-and-a-mothers-will-to-survive/P-15470508-USED.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=HPB_PMAX_ECOM&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAnKi8BhB0EiwA58DA4QR2ID7B9zpBolJmrQs2XiycyzQZpoDq3mw4r0-CSwUVJ0ZE7y7XTBoCRXsQAvD_BwE
Link to the TV series on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81166770
TJCTC Updates 1.16.2025
Online Training and Resources
This edition of Updates is relatively light on content, but we wanted to make sure to share a few online training resources this week.
It has been a delight seeing judges and court staff as we kicked off the new academic year, and we are all looking forward to seeing more of you and the constables and deputies as we hold more conferences over the next few months.
As always, we hope you have a great week and stay warm out there!
Constable Corner
Law Enforcement Policy Trends
As policies change with the times, it is important for agencies to stay up-to-date. Lexipol recently posted their 5 Policy Trends for Law Enforcement Leaders in 2025 tip sheet to their blog, highlighting critical areas where agencies must adapt to remain effective and resilient.
Read the blog post: https://www.lexipol.com/resources/blog/law-enforcement-policy-trends-to-watch-in-2025/
NCSC Webinar – Tech for All: Applications of AI to Increase Access to Justice – Wednesday, January 29 at noon
Join NCSC staff and guest presenters to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing access to justice for underserved communities.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from noon – 1 pm
Presenters will discuss how they are safely and effectively leveraging new technologies to make the legal system more accessible. Participants will learn about practical applications of AI and discover the potential for democratizing access to legal information for increased participation in court cases and proceedings. The presenters will also share compelling case studies that demonstrate how AI can directly assist individuals seeking justice.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Assess the potential benefits of implementing self-help AI solutions
- Understand the complexity and cost of developing and implementing a self-help AI tool, including the skillsets and resources necessary
- Describe the building blocks for a self-help chatbot
NCSC Online Course in Support of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
New online course connects courts with CDL drivers in the fight against human trafficking.
A new NCSC course gives courts an opportunity to connect with Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders to raise awareness about human trafficking.
CDL Drivers and Courts: On the Road to End Human Trafficking is a free, 45-minute, interactive, self-paced online course developed by NCSC Creative Learning Services (CLS).
Courts are encouraged to share messaging about the course in notices or public information geared toward CDL drivers. Course completion may also be court ordered as an appropriate sentence requirement or condition of probation, parole, or community service.
“With about 8.7 million commercial motor vehicle drivers in the U.S., this initiative provides an opportunity to reach a significant number of commercial drivers with information to help them detect and report human trafficking,” said Derek Felton, NCSC CLS director. “State courts and judges can actively participate by promoting the course and reinforcing certain messaging at various CDL holder touchpoints.”
The course covers essential signs of trafficking, discusses how to report suspicious activity, and provides insights into potential victims, perpetrators, and common trafficking locations.
How courts can help
Additional resources available to courts and justice system partners to help raise awareness include a judicial bench card, a reference card for prosecutors, digital signage content, social media graphics, and flyers and rack cards.
Felton encourages courts to begin supporting the CDL Drivers and Courts initiative this month, which has been designated National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
To learn more about the course and access the implementation guide and resources, visit ncsc.org/cdlhtainfo.
Video Series from Austin Young Lawyers Association – Did you miss it last year?
Austin Young Lawyers Association has launched “How to Pick Jurors for Your Trial in Justice Courts and Municipal Courts” video series. AYLA received a Texas Bar Foundation grant to produce these educational series for pro se litigants. The video project made possible with the support and efforts of the Travis County District Clerk.
This is a great resource to share with self-represented litigants who have questions about the trial process, especially jury selection.
You may also notice a special appearance by your colleague, Judge Sylvia Holmes.
Here is the link to the series: https://lnkd.in/eEpgdFdu
Do you have questions about this update or have something we should share? Please email Amber Myers at a_m1814@txstate.edu with any questions or content to share.
Roadmap of Responsible Resolutions
Check out this article on Responsibility.org’s Roadmap of Responsible Resolutions to help reduce impaired driving by providing helpful reminders and practical tips.
TJCTC Updates 1.6.2025
Happy New Year!
Welcome back to the office (hopefully you all had at least a little well-needed time off this holiday season)!
We wanted to kick this year off right with some resources and updates.
Countdown to the New Year: 10 Ways to Ring in Your Mental Health
As we start a new year, judges, court staff, and law enforcement are often faced with hard cases and burnout, making some of those resolutions to take care of your health even harder!
Take a look at this article from Mental Health First Aid about how to look after your mental health and that of your friends, family, and co-workers this season.
Clerk Testing Goes Live Tomorrow!
It’s time! Exam registration opens tomorrow at 8 am.
To register for the exam just head to our exam website and click on “1. Register to take the exam online” then click the link for the appropriate exam.
This will take you to log into your TJCTC account and then you register like you would for one of our conferences.
To take the Master exam you must already be level one certified (you only need to have passed one of the level one exams).
Registration closes on January 16. The exams will open on January 17th and close on February 14th. For questions contact Darby Swoboda at d_s520@txstate.edu.
Continued Guidance on Magistration in Open Court
TJCTC has continued to receive questions on the ruling in Texas Tribune v. Caldwell County case from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
There have been concerns about not having enough time to implement procedures to make magistration hearings open. Unfortunately, this is just the nature of how court rulings can impact local procedures. Going forward, magistration proceedings must be open.
Please continue to work with your local partners – county/district attorneys, sheriff, and jail staff to ensure that your magistration proceedings are open. You can read more about the case in an earlier post on The Docket.
Read more from other groups here: Texas Commission on Jail Standards and Texas District and County Attorney’s Association.
NCSC Self-Represented Litigants:
The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has compiled a page of resources for courts to use when assisting self-represented litigants (SRLs), including some very helpful videos that you can share on your website or in the courtroom!
Access the Resources Page: https://www.ncsc.org/consulting-and-research/areas-of-expertise/access-to-justice/self-represented-litigants
Access the Videos: https://www.ncsc.org/consulting-and-research/areas-of-expertise/access-to-justice/a2j-videos
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month
In January, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will be kicking off the first national Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month – a time to raise awareness of the benefits and availability of evidence-based treatments for people with a substance use disorder.
So, check out our their Treatment Month Toolkit, and keep your eyes on all of SAMHSA’s social media platforms. There you’ll find our tips, resources and even webinars to help people learn more about what substance use disorder is and how it can be effectively treated.
Poverty Awareness Month
Every January is National Poverty Awareness Month.
This is a great time to think about access to justice issues in your courts and communities, because they are often related to poverty.
Some resources to review are:
- TJCTC’s recent post on Statements of Inability to Pay Court Costs
- TJCTC’s recent post on Accessibility & Access in the Courts
- Check out the recent NCSC Tiny Chat 151: 12 Scrappy Access to Justice Gifts