Motions Bank Project with Texas Defender Service

Students will update a motions bank that will be made available to appointed private Texas lawyers who represent defendants accused of capital murder who are facing the death penalty in state court trial proceedings. Students will review existing materials in the motions bank, update materials to reflect current case law and best practices, and organize the motions bank so that it is easily accessible to defense lawyers throughout the state.

Organization

Texas Defender Service

Texas Defender Service works to promote a fair and just criminal justice system in Texas. Through its Capital Trial Project, TDS provides resources and assistance to capital trial lawyers, with an emphasis on the early stages of litigation and the crucial role of thorough investigation and preparation.

Project Details

Project Start Date

December 2018

Approximate hours of work requested
40-50 hours total per student through the end of the 2018-2019 academic year
Training
Training and supervision will be provided by the Director of TDS’s Capital Trial Project on as-needed basis
Skills used
Legal research/writing
Project location
Texas Defender Service; students may perform some project work at the law school and other locations
Number of student volunteers requested
5
Class year preference
1L, 2L, 3L, LLM
To Apply
Submit email stating interest to Sarah Sedgwick at ssedgwick@law.utexas.edu