AI – The Docket

May 20, 2025

TJCTC Updates 5.19.2025

Online Training & More

This week we have a few resources and legal questions along with some reminders for available online trainings.

Legal Question of the Week

Question: Can a plaintiff in a debt claim file one petition against one Defendant but have multiple claims? Example: Plaintiff ABC Legal filed one petition against Defendant Jane Doe listing count 1 – Discover bank charge off account purchased by ABC Legal. Count 2 – AMEX CC charge off account purchased by ABC Legal. Shouldn’t the plaintiff file a petition for each separate debt?

Answer: Yes, if the case is between the same plaintiff and defendant (looks like it is, because ABC Legal now owns all of the debts), then they can be filed in the same case, even if there are multiple contracts/debts. The plaintiff could also choose to file as two separate cases. It is up to the plaintiff on how they choose to file the case. Note, this applies to all small claims (not just debt claims) – multiple causes of action can be handled in the same case if the total damages fall below $20,000.

Upcoming TJCTC Webinars

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

Justice for All: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Animal Cases in the Courtroom

July 18th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm

This webinar will address the role of the justice of the peace in animal cruelty cases, as well as other animal-related laws appearing before the court. In doing so, it will touch upon dangerous dog cases, serious bodily injury cases, civil seizures, appellate process, and thinking outside the box when working with the parties for the greater good of the community.

Upcoming NCSC Webinars

Courts & Accommodations for Users with Disabilities

Tuesday, May 20 at 2:00 pm CT

This webinar will explore how courts implement accommodations tailored to the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. We will discuss how courts can handle accommodation requests and provide guidance on best practices for making informed decisions that enhance accessibility. To enrich the learning experience, we will use hypothetical scenarios to illustrate real-world scenarios and the decision-making processes involved.

Note, this webinar is not sponsored by TJCTC, but judges and court personnel may submit proof of attendance for general judicial education credit.

Register to the Webinar: https://ncsc-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oknT1T1GT82-Gt0LAdhBkw?utm_campaign=731104_Whats%20on%20May%2019%20%28new%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=v-0&dm_i=7L57,FO4G,4VW08I,2ICK4,1#/registration

AI-Assisted Translation in the Courts: Exploring Opportunities and Navigating Risks

Wednesday, May 21 at noon CT

In this webinar, we will candidly discuss the potential risks associated with AI translation tools, distinguishing between applications with varying levels of sensitivity — such as translating court forms versus court transcripts. The webinar aims to provide participants with a balanced understanding of the potential benefits and risks of AI-assisted translation in the courts, empowering them to make informed decisions about its implementation and use.

Note, this webinar is not sponsored by TJCTC, but judges and court personnel may submit proof of attendance for general judicial education credit.

Register for the Webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZUPPIm9pQLiEo5aV-UR30w?utm_campaign=731104_Whats%20on%20May%2019%20%28new%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=v-0&dm_i=7L57,FO4G,4VW08I,2ICK3,1#/registration

6 Mental Health Tips from Psychologists

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

As we reflect on our mental health this month, why not look to the professionals for the best tips? The American Psychological Association just shared an article called 6 mental health tips psychologists use.

Make sure to also check out the Mental Health Awareness Month content that TJCTC has been sharing on LinkedIn and Facebook. Make sure to follow TJCTC on social media for tips like this as well as office closures and other important updates.

January 22, 2025

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

Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZUPPIm9pQLiEo5aV-UR30w?utm_campaign=646908_Tech%20for%20All%3A%20Applications%20of%20AI%20to%20Increase%20Access%20to%20Justice&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=v-0&dm_i=7L57,DV5O,4VW08I,23BMQ,1#/registration

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.

September 25, 2024

TJCTC Updates 9.25.2024

Hello Everyone!

September and the Back-to-School Season has flown by! At TJCTC we have been busy working with the JPCA Education Committees and Faculty on our next academic year of training. Spoiler alert – we think it is going to be great. Make sure you read all the way to the bottom for updates on training registration and more.

Important National Survey for Death Investigation Information

All Justices of the Peace in counties without a medical examiner’s office should have received an email earlier this month from RTI International on behalf of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), directing them to the Census of Medical Examiner and Coroner Offices (CMEC) website to confirm their office information and indicate if they perform death investigation functions. This information will be used in early October to send the survey to the appropriate person within each office.

The Census of Medical Examiner and Coroner Offices (CMEC) was created by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) in 2004 as the first nationwide data collection effort designed to capture crucial information regarding the patchwork of Medical Examiner and Coroner offices across the United States. RTI International (RTI) conducted the CMEC on behalf of BJS, and subsequently completed a second iteration of the census in 2018. The report from the 2018 CMEC can be found at https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/meco18.pdf .

We are excited to share that data collection for the 2023 CMEC will begin in early October of this year. Topics covered will include budget, staffing and salaries, caseload, and other relevant measures and practices (e.g. is there a computerized case management system, how many scene investigations are done). Also new this year will be the inclusion of Justices of the Peace in Texas who performing death investigations.

If there are questions or if you did not receive an email, please email cmec@rti.org to get your log in information so you can confirm your role.

Legal Question of the Month

Is a Driver’s License required in order for a person to be placed on Deferred?

No, that is not a requirement for deferred disposition under CCP Art. 45.051. However, there is a driver’s license requirement for DSC dismissal under CCP 45.0511. For more information (including an exception to this requirement), please see p. 54 of TJCTC’s Criminal Deskbook: https://www.tjctc.org/tjctc-resources/deskbooks.html.

We have had several questions lately about offenses being eligible for DSC or Deferred. Chapter 5 of the Criminal Deskbook (at the above link) is all about DSC, Deferred, and other Dismissals. You can likely find your answer there. In addition, don’t forget about the TJCTC Charts & Checklists Page: https://www.tjctc.org/tjctc-resources/charts-and-checklists.html where we have flowcharts for both DSC and Deferred.

Online Education Opportunities

NCSC Webinars

Transitioning To a New Leadership Role

October 9th, 2024

Court Systems rely on effective leadership to operate effectively and efficiently, and leadership requires more than just seniority or title.
Embracing a new leadership position can be a transformative experience that can lead to personal growth and professional development. It also sends a signal that the organization is committed to promoting growth within. Transitioning into a new leadership role allows individuals to showcase their skills and make a positive impact on their teams and organizations.
In this session, we will explore techniques for successfully positioning yourself for leadership opportunities. Panelists will share their personal insights on their own experiences with transitions into leadership roles while discussing the challenges they encountered, and lessons learned along the way.

Register Here: https://www.ncsc.org/conferences-and-events/events-calendar/2024/webinars/october/webinar-transitioning-to-a-new-leadership-role

Navigating AI in Court Systems – Ethics, Legal Frameworks, and Practical Tools

October 16th, 2024

The integration of AI in court systems promises enhanced efficiency and decision-making capabilities. However, it also raises significant ethical and legal challenges that courts must address to maintain public trust and uphold the principles of justice.
This session, an extension of the first ethics webinar, Ethics of Generative AI: A Guide for Judges and Legal Professionals, will assist participants in developing an AI ethics infrastructure to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly and ethically. A proactive approach that includes guiding principles, standards, and protocols helps courts prevent misuse, bias, and potential harm, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the judicial process and preserving public trust and confidence in our legal system.

Register Here: https://www.ncsc.org/conferences-and-events/events-calendar/2024/webinars/october/webinar-navigating-ai-in-court-systems-ethics,-legal-frameworks,-and-practical-tools

2024-2025 Education Event Schedules Released

Did you notice that our website has been updated with all of the 2024-2025 Upcoming Conferences and Workshops? Take a look at “Education Events” under your tab (Judges, Court Personnel, Constables) to see where our programs will be held this year. Look for a brochure online and in your mailboxes soon!

Registration Dates:

Justice of the Peace Registration – October 8

Court Personnel Early Registration (ONLY for clerks who were not able to attend a conference this year) – October 22

Regular Court Personnel Registration – October 28

Civil Process Registration – November 5

Judicial Education Requirements

Did you have to rush to complete last minute requirements this year? Check out this page on our website to make sure you know exactly what you need for this academic year that began on September 1, 2024: https://www.tjctc.org/justices-of-the-peace/education-requirements.html

Constable’s Corner: Constable Education Requirements

This is the last year of the 4-Year TCOLE Training Cycle (9/1/21-8/31/25). Make sure if you are an Elected Constable, you are able to log on to register if you haven’t yet completed your 1415 Civil Process requirement. We are working hard to ensure that all elected constables are able to get into our programs, but space in your preferred program might fill early! This year we will have programs in Galveston, Austin, El Paso, and virtually. You can view the dates on our website: https://www.tjctc.org/civil-process/education-events.html

Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions. Laura Villarreal at lv13@txstate.edu is your point of contact for registration.

If you have questions about your other TCOLE Requirements, you can likely find the answer on the TCOLE Website: https://www.tcole.texas.gov/content/training-requirements.

Looking forward to seeing you at a conference or workshop soon!

– Thea & the TJCTC Team

March 13, 2024August 15, 2024

TJCTC Updates 3.13.2024

Good Afternoon Judges, Constables, & Court Staff,

Happy Spring Break! We have a few updates and resources to share with you this week. As always, don’t forget to read to the end!

TJCTC Webinars

Implementing SB4: Magistrate’s Order to Return

This webinar was postponed, because there is pending litigation in the federal courts keeping the bill from becoming effective. Please monitor your emails and the TJCTC website for updates.

Have you heard of TMORT?

Join forensic pathologist, Dr. Amy Gruszecki, to learn more about the Texas Mortuary Operations Response Team (TMORT). This team is made up of medical examiners, funeral directors, and anthropologists, who respond to mass casualty events like the Uvalde shooting. Learn more about this team and the resources available to you during a mass casualty event.

Friday, March 29 at 10:00 am

Registration: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ce9ULqQWQvOFSO79gN4GjA

NCSC Webinars

Follow-Up Webinar on Ensuring Effective Communication for People with Disabilities TODAY

TODAY at 10 am

Join NCSC for a follow-up to their January webinar.

Due to the overwhelming interest in this important topic, we received more questions than we could answer during the one-hour webinar. This follow-up conversation is intended to tackle those unanswered questions and provide some “how-to” tools and examples you can start to implement now.

Learn more and register on NCSC’s website.

Why Won’t They Come? Findings from a Study of Nonresponse and Failure to Appear Rates in Harris County, Texas

Hosted by the NCSC Center for Jury Studies, this webinar sheds light on the perplexing issue of juror nonresponse and failure to appear in Texas’s most populous county.

Panelists will delve into the study’s compelling findings and offer practical recommendations to address the high nonresponse and failure to appear rates.

Gain valuable insights into the complexities of jury service and discover actionable strategies to enhance juror participation and engagement.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the experts and contribute to improving the jury system.

Learn more and register on NCSC’s website.

Note: If you attend these NCSC webinars, please email proof of attendance to jessforeman@txstate.edu to receive credit.

You may see more Alcohol and Beverage Code violations filed in your courts in March & April!

TABC is conducting spring break public safety operations throughout March to target sales of alcohol to minors. Agents will be attempting to identify businesses selling alcohol to minors.

AI Information Database

The Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project (LSNTAP) has been following the use of AI in the legal system, and created a database of the resources and caselaw.

They even feature an article from Texas Law Help.

Access the database on the LSNTAP website.

Do you follow TJCTC on social media?

Check out our LinkedIn & Facebook pages for updates and on occasion a fun photo or two from our programs! Don’t forget, you can also find more information at our blog, The Docket, including past e-blasts like this one.

Stay safe out there!

Thea & the TJCTC Team