Students will work with a committee of judges to revise the Texas Center for the Judiciary’s Bench Book in order to incorporate changes to the relevant law made since the most recent edition was published in 2018. Changes made during the 86th Legislative Session need to be incorporated into an updated 2020 edition. The Texas Bench Book is a practical aid and quick reference for trial court judges in Texas state courts that includes guidelines and sample scripts for hearings and trials. The Bench Book includes sections covering diverse topics including civil, criminal, family, juvenile, mental health, probate and guardianship, contempt, disqualification and recusal, and family violence proceedings. Students will be assigned to work closely with a judge on a specific section of the Bench Book, and will be credited in the revised Bench Book when it is published.
Organization
Texas Center for the Judiciary
The Texas Center for the Judiciary is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to provide outstanding judicial education to Texas judges so that a qualified and knowledgeable judiciary and staff may administer justice with fairness, efficiency, and integrity. Since its creation in 1973, the Texas Center has served as the primary source of judicial education for all appellate, district court, statutory county court, probate, associate and retired and former judges covered by the Rules of Judicial Education.
Project Details
- Project Start Date
February 2020
- Approximate hours of work requested
- 50 hours total over the course of the semester; students will complete drafts of their sections by mid-March (firm date to be determined at kick-off meeting) and then work with their assigned judge on revisions and edits
- Training
- Training will be provided at a kick-off event with judges at the Texas Center for the Judiciary, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, at 11am-1pm; students will have access to their assigned judges as well as a member of the Texas Center staff for questions.
- Skills used
- Legal research/writing; drafting practical training materials for judges and other legal professionals
- Project location
- Texas Center for the Judiciary, 1210 San Antonio; students will be able to complete much of the project work on campus or at another location of their choosing.
- Number of student volunteers requested
- 10
- Class year preference
- 1L, 2L, 3L, LLM
- Required skills
- Strong English writing skills required
- To Apply
- Register at https://benchbooksp20.eventbrite.com