TJCTC Updates 8.29.2024

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Hello Everyone!

Happy almost Labor Day Weekend. We have a few training opportunities to share, and a new Juvenile Criminal Diversion Plan Checklist to help you with the plans due in January.

Juvenile Criminal Diversion Plans

Have you started working on plans for your court’s juvenile criminal diversion plan as required by the last legislative session? If not, that’s okay! We have some resources available to help you, including a new checklist. We will also be discussing these plans at all of this year’s Justice of the Peace and Experienced Court Personnel Conferences.

Juvenile Deskbook Chapter 3A Juvenile Diversions

Juvenile Criminal Diversion Plan Checklist

Juvenile Criminal Diversions Webinar

Coming Soon Juvenile Criminal Diversions Self-Paced Module

In addition to our resources, the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center (TMCEC) also has resources available on this topic. https://www.tmcec.com/youth-diversion/ 

New Self-Paced Modules

Several new Self-Paced Modules have went live on the TJCTC website recently. This week, Residential Evictions: Step by Step was added. Self-Paced Modules can be found at https://www.tjctc.org/onlinelearning/selfpacedmodules.html.

NCSC Webinar

Back To School: Legal Advice vs. Legal Information – A Court Staff Essential

Sep 4, 2024, at 02:00 PM

Unsure about the difference between legal information and legal advice? You’re not alone! This session will hit the important highlights to help you confidently navigate this important issue when interacting with the public. Use this training to enhance or develop resources and guidance for your court or community.

Who Should Attend?

  • Courtroom Clerks
  • Probation Officers
  • Self-Help Center Staff
  • Court Navigators
  • Anyone who interacts with the public on legal matters

Learn more and sign up on Zoom: https://ncsc-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vm2EtY55Rdu0JT5RzfvJlg?utm_campaign=544834_Webinar%3A%20Training%20on%20legal%20information%20versus%20legal%20advice&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=v-0&dm_i=7L57,BOEA,4VW08I,1R6ZA,1#/registration 

National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving (NASID) Conference

NASID is excited to bring together national experts in impaired driving as we examine the whole DUI system through engaging presentations and interactive discussions. These discussions will include gaps and challenges to impaired driving data, attention to trends in drugs and other substances, detection methods including needed chemical testing protocol enhancements, DUI enforcement, prosecuting the drugged driver, mental health and impaired driving, and existing and emerging technology through screening and assessment.  

The NASID Conference will be a great place for networking opportunities for attendees across the traffic safety field to help eliminate impaired driving. We have multiple networking breaks planned throughout the conference and a networking reception on the first night.

November 18, 2024 – November 20, 2024

Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel
2800 South Potomac Avenue
Arlington, VA 22202

Government employee and Not for Profit (NPO) registration is $350, other attendee registration is $500. 

You can register now and use the purchase order option for later payment.

Here a few helpful links for the conference:

Texas Department of Transportation Save A Life logo

On that note, please be safe out there this Labor Day Weekend! Any questions about this e-blast can be directed to Amber Myers at a_m1814@txstate.edu.

– The TJCTC Team

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TJCTC Updates 4.17.2024

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Judges, Constables, Deputies, and Court Staff,

We hope your April is going well. It has been nice seeing all of the beautiful wildflowers blooming as we drive to programs! In this edition of updates we have an updated sample confidentiality policy for you to use with your offices, Stress Awareness Month resources, a recent Attorney General Opinion, and more. Don’t forget to scroll all the way down!

 

Confidentiality Policy Requirement Goes Into Effect May 1 – TJCTC Sample Policy

In February, as required by the Texas Legislature during the 2023 session, the Texas Supreme Court modified Rule of Judicial Administration 7.1 to require all courts, including justice courts, to implement a confidentiality policy. The policy must be provided to existing employees at least biannually, and all new employees must be trained on the policy before performing any substantive work.

Courts must implement this policy no later than May 1, 2024. Download TJCTC’s sample policy.

Read the Rules of Judicial Administration.

 

Attorney General Opinion KP-0426

Re: Whether a constable may simultaneously serve as a municipal court judge (RQ-0517-KP)

Summary

Constitution and conflicting-loyalties incompatibility preclude a municipal judge from simultaneous serving as a constable.

 

Stress Awareness Month

We know that your jobs are stressful. Click the photo below to see resources we have compiled to help you reduce your stress and promote wellness in your offices.

Stress Awareness Month

National Center for State Courts Explainer Video Series

Presented in English and Spanish, this new access to justice explainer video library offers eight short videos that courts nationwide can use to assist the public:

  • Understanding Court Help: Legal Advice vs. Legal Information
  • Navigating the Court System Without a Lawyer
  • Legal Language 101: Understanding Key Terms in Court Cases
  • Understanding Small Claims Court: A Simplified Guide
  • Demystifying Legal Procedures: What Does it Mean to File a Motion
  • Understanding the Difference Between Civil and Criminal Cases
  • Understanding Court Papers: What to Do After Being Served
  • Decoding Court Jargon: Understanding Common Procedural Terms

Check the videos out on the NCSC Website.

 

Coroner Talk Podcast

At a recent program, Judge Woolley suggested a podcast he enjoys on the topic of inquests. We thought some other judges may be interested. It’s presented by Darren Drake, the elected coroner for the county in Missouri in which he resides.  You can find the podcast on YouTube, https://coronertalk.com/, or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

We hope that these resources are helpful, and we look forward to seeing you at a program soon!

Thea and the TJCTC Team

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