In Chambers, Spring 2009


Dear Judges, With spring's arrival, our thoughts turn to fresh starts and new beginnings. In keeping with this theme, please think about doing something new in your judicial career. The election of new board members will be held at the Annual Judicial Conference August 30-September 2, 2009, in Grapevine, Texas. This is your opportunity to serve in some capacity on either the Judicial Section or the Texas Center boards of directors. Both boards need new ideas, fresh perspectives, and positive energy; and these are best accomplished when the boards are composed of a real diversity of judges. I think most current and past board members, if asked, would say that their time on the board was hard work, rewarding, and fun. So if you have never served, please consider putting your judicial hat in the ring this year. We need you, and you'll make new judicial friends that you'll keep for the rest of your career. Just let the Chair of the Nominations Committee, Judge Barbara Walther (51st Judicial District, 112 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, Texas 76903, 325-659-6569) know you are willing to do your part.	The lead article in this issue of In Chambers is about drug courts in a family court setting. I hope you will read this article with some thought as to how such a court might work in your county. Even if your particular jurisdiction does not lend itself to a drug court, please consider supporting efforts to bring such a court to your county. I was "The Drug Court Judge" in Montgomery County for several years and saw some amazing changes in defendants that had never before been contributing, tax-paying members of our community. On a procedural note, we have continued to have cordial and productive conversations with the Court of Criminal Appeals regarding Fund 540, the source of funding for much of our educational programming. It appears that we have come to some substantial agreements that will benefit all of us and will prevent an increase in registration costs for our annual conference, at least for the time being. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Criminal Justice Conference in Dallas. Hon. Suzanne Stovall

Dear Judges,

With spring's arrival, our thoughts turn to fresh starts and new beginnings. In keeping with this theme, please think about doing something new in your judicial career. The election of new board members will be held at the Annual Judicial Conference August 30-September 2, 2009, in Grapevine, Texas. This is your opportunity to serve in some capacity on either the Judicial Section or the Texas Center boards of directors.

Both boards need new ideas, fresh perspectives, and positive energy; and these are best accomplished when the boards are composed of a real diversity of judges. I think most current and past board members, if asked, would say that their time on the board was hard work, rewarding, and fun. So if you have never served, please consider putting your judicial hat in the ring this year. We need you, and you'll make new judicial friends that you'll keep for the rest of your career.

Just let the Chair of the Nominations Committee, Judge Barbara Walther (51st Judicial District, 112 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, Texas 76903, 325-659-6569) know you are willing to do your part.

The lead article in this issue of In Chambers is about drug courts in a family court setting. I hope you will read this article with some thought as to how such a court might work in your county. Even if your particular jurisdiction does not lend itself to a drug court, please consider supporting efforts to bring such a court to your county. I was "The Drug Court Judge" in Montgomery County for several years and saw some amazing changes in defendants that had never before been contributing, tax-paying members of our community.

On a procedural note, we have continued to have cordial and productive conversations with the Court of Criminal Appeals regarding Fund 540, the source of funding for much of our educational programming. It appears that we have come to some substantial agreements that will benefit all of us and will prevent an increase in registration costs for our annual conference, at least for the time being.

Looking forward to seeing you all at the Criminal Justice Conference in Dallas.

Stovall Signature
Hon. Suzanne Stovall