Just as municipal courts occupy a unique niche in the Texas judicial system, so do municipal prosecutors. From the smallest town to the largest city, prosecutors in municipal courts play a vital role in the administration of justice. It is estimated that more than 700 attorneys licensed in Texas prosecute in municipal courts.
Compared to other prosecutors, municipal prosecutors handle the most cases, conduct the most trials, and have more contact with members of the public. While all prosecutors in Texas have a duty, not to convict, but to see that justice is done, the challenge of ensuring justice in a municipal court is further complicated by laws that are similar but different from those in county and district courts.
These differences, combined with regular changes in the law by the Texas Legislature, make specialized legal training essential. Since 1992, through a grant from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, TMCEC has offered specialized continuing legal education to prosecuting attorneys who serve in municipal courts across the state.
Because obtaining specialized knowledge is a hallmark of professionalism and requires commitment and focus, TMCEC believes it also deserves special recognition. Accordingly, beginning in 2024, TMCEC is excited to announce the introduction of the Prosecutor Professionalism Program (PPP).
With this program, we aim to encourage and reward prosecutors who obtain annual specialized municipal court-focused training through TMCEC.
Basic Requirements:
Active Prosecutor: Applicants must hold a current post as a prosecutor for a Texas municipality (part time or full time).
Hours: Applicants must complete 20 hours of education (this will be calculated by attendance hours, not CLE hours, and must be timely reported through a Record of Attendance) through TMCEC within one academic year in the following manner:
- 16 hours in attendance at the annual three -day Prosecutors Conference
- 4 hours from any combination of the following:
- TMCEC Webinars
- TMCEC In-Person or Virtual Training
Application: Once the hours are earned, interested prosecutors will apply to the Center, attesting to both the number of hours earned and the way they were earned.
Recognition:
Those who complete the educational requirements and application process will be recognized in the following ways:
- Recognition by name and city in The Recorder, on the TMCEC website, and via TMCEC social media.
- Downloadable certificates, awarded on a year-to-year basis, designating the holder as a member of the TMCEC Prosecutors Professionalism Program class for a given academic year.
- Name badge ribbons at live events.
We hope you’ll consider becoming a member of the inaugural TMCEC Prosecutor Professionalism Class of 2024.
The first step is attending the full three-day program at one of our two Prosecutors Seminars:
- February 21-23, 2024 Prosecutors Seminar (Austin)
- May 29-31, 2024 Prosecutors Seminar (Houston)
Please note that the Prosecutors Seminars offer CLE credit as well. For more information about the TMCEC Prosecutors Seminar (including registration), Prosecutors Listserv, who can prosecute in municipal court, and the unique role of city attorneys, click here.
Full Court Press 