Social Media and the Court: Staying within Ethical Boundaries

Many of you have already explored the admissibility and discoverability issues that arise with social media, but what about the ethical issues that arise with your use of a networking site? The line between your personal and public life continues to blur with the use of the Internet and social networking sites. This session will address such questions as: “May I ‘friend’ a lawyer?”; “May a campaign committee establish a page that has an option for persons to list themselves as fans?”; or “Can I research companies or persons in my court using Google?” Although Texas does not currently have any ethics opinions concerning the boundaries for a judge's use of social media, Judge Sue Kurita, Commissioner on the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, and Judge Paul Davis, Chair of the Ethics Committee of the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Texas, will discuss the opinions that have been issued in other states and the potential impact on you and your policies.

These Court Interpreters...Who Do They Think They Are?

This session will provide the opportunity for a frank exchange of ideas and perspectives regarding the role of court interpreters, from the Court's and the interpreter's points of view. Materials provided by the National Center for State Courts and TRIP (Texas Remote Interpreter Project) will be used to foster the exchange of ideas. Some of the topics to be discussed include: What is the goal of having an interpreter? How does one qualify an interpreter? What are certified and/or licensed interpreters? What does the Texas Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibilities for Licensed Interpreters (Tex. Administrative Code § 80.100) prohibit an interpreter from doing? This session will also include the applicability of the Texas Rules of Evidence 10.09 to the use of interpreters and an overview the TRIP program, its requirements, and funding.

Headlines or Lifelines

An expert panel of judges will discuss the challenges facing judges throughout Texas and the U.S. in accessing help for stress, burnout, depression and substance abuse. The discussion will include several local and national strategies for help, assistance and prevention. Don’t become a headline – grab a lifeline!

Working Lunch
iJudging: Electronic Filing and the Effective Use of iPads and Tablets

In today’s world, it’s hard to go a day without hearing about the iPad or some other high-tech invention. And you may often think of such technologies as a luxuries or toys; not really something you need. But these technologies can be a powerful tool for you to use in your judicial capacity. Judge Hinde will take some time during lunch to demonstrate how an iPad can help you read briefs filed with your court, conduct legal research, access rules and statutes, docket, and even manage cases right from the bench! This presentation will also discuss the likelihood of the Texas Supreme Court mandating courts to implement e-filing systems and what the implications of such a mandate will have on your court.

Evidence Jeopardy

A fun, exciting and engaging way to brush up on your favorite topic: Evidence! You will be able to select appropriate responses in hypothetical situations involving objections on the basis of hearsay: relevancy in five categories: Rule 403, Rule 404(a), Rule 404(b), Rape Shield Law, and Miscellaneous.

Guardianships: Intersection Between Family, Civil, and Probate Law

Guardianship cases are unique, albeit often complex, in that jurisdiction of the proceedings is not always clear. There can be many issues within the case, each separately creating jurisdiction in civil, family, and/or probate court. Each of the panelists for this session will present their perspectives on the intersection among the three substantive areas of law and the jurisdictional disputes and challenges that flow from the tension created when these areas of law overlap.

Closely Held Companies: Emerging Litigation Issues

Suits involving disputes in closely held corporations and limited liability companies increasingly include claims of “oppression” against those in control of the company. The challenges faced by judges in these cases include the uncertain parameters of the developing “oppression” doctrine and issues raised by relatively recent statutory changes. Professor Douglas Moll, University of Houston Law Center, and Professor Elizabeth Miller, Baylor Law School, will provide an overview of the existing Texas case law addressing oppression claims and will discuss some of the difficult issues raised by the doctrine.

Child Witnesses in the Courtroom

Ms. Joy Rauls, Executive Director for the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, will address the case law and recent statutory changes surrounding appropriate accommodations for judicial consideration when working with children in the courtroom as witness or victims. Over the years, children have increasingly played a larger role in the justice system as witnesses in criminal and civil suits. As such, a breadth of modifications have been successfully implemented across the state, many of which have received support under Texas statute and case law. She will also introduce you to a bench aid for handling child witnesses in the courtroom that will be circulated this fall through Texas Center’s mailing list. This product was created through a partnership with the Texas Supreme Court Permanent Judicial Commission on Children, Youth and Families, The Children’s Justice Act Taskforce, and the Texas Center for the Judiciary.

Interlock 301: New Laws and Trends

When are you legally required to order ignition interlock? When is it discretionary? Who is responsible for ensuring compliance? Join us for an interactive discussion of new law, trends and up-to-date practices in this very important field. Bench tools, including model forms, will be provided.

Guardianships: Disabilities and Trends

While jurisdiction in guardianship cases is an ever-evolving and contentious issue, there is a broad spectrum of other matters relating to guardianships that you need to know about. Ms. Denette Vaughn, Senior Attorney for Disability Rights Texas, will provide you with an overview of case law, statutes, and future trends relating to guardianship proceedings. She will also examine the role of attorneys and guardians ad litem, the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, issues relating to equal access and accommodation, and standards relating to the determination of incapacity.

Fraud on the Community and Spousal Maintenance

Many changes were made to the Texas Family Code in the 2011 legislative session. Spousal maintenance was significantly changed as to the amount, duration and length of the marriage. The legislature also added a section providing for fraud on the community with a reconstitution of the community estate. Join Ms. Bradshaw for an overview of these changes and how they will affect your courtroom.

The Use of Expert in Criminal Cases

The final outcome of a case often hinges on the skill, credentials and credibility of the expert witnesses. This session will review different types of experts that can be used in criminal cases and issues relating to their testimony.

Breath and Blood Testing

How are increased use of No Refusal policies and programs affecting the day-to-day operation of courts? What are the effects on pending caseloads, time to trial, etc. What are the costs, if any to the courts and the justice system at large? In this session, the relationship between breath and blood testing and your court’s docket will be examined, as well as the debate between the highly publicized No Refusal weekends versus 24/7 programs.

Top Ten Family Cases of 2011

Top Ten Civil Cases of 2011

Top Ten Criminal Cases of 2011