Judicial Bench Book Project with the Texas Center for the Judiciary

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 2016. Changes made during the 85th Legislative Session need to be incorporated into an updated 2018 edition of the Texas Bench Book. The 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, 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 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 2018

Approximate hours of work requested
50 hours total over the course of the semester; students will complete drafts of their sections by March 26 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, on Friday, February 9, at 10am-12pm; students also will have access to their assigned judges and the TCJ staff for questions that arise during the project
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
Address
1210 San Antonio Street, Austin, TX 78701
Number of student volunteers requested
10
Class year preference
1L, 2L, 3L, LLM
Required skills
Strong English writing skills required
To Apply
Submit email stating interest and any language skills to Sarah Sedgwick at ssedgwick@law.utexas.edu