TJCTC Updates 5.19.2025

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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

Register for the Webinar: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_spcexLIFROSVykhcZrpsZg#/registration

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. 

Register for the Webinar: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bo5YIvbJQxucJmrU07lp3Q#/registration


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.

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Updates 3.12.2025

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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

FridayMarch 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

https://www.county.org/education-and-events/calendar-of-events/2025/judicial-forum-on-mental-health/overview

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

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