Category Archives: Uncategorized

AY23 Highlight: Dangerous and Mistreated Animals

Mark Goodner and Ben Gibbs took a moment to discuss a topic from the 2023 Academic Year curriculum. Mark Goodner: Ben, it’s been a whirlwind start to our 2022-2023 Academic Year. Last week, we held our East Texas Regional Clerks and Judges Seminars. It was such a wonderful audience and a great start for TMCEC.Continue reading “AY23 Highlight: Dangerous and Mistreated Animals”

Supreme Court Issues 55th Emergency Order

Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued the 55th Emergency Order. The order goes into effect September 1, 2022 and expires November 1, 2022, unless extended by the Court. Of note, municipal courts may continue to use reasonable efforts to conduct proceedings remotely, but courts may not require a lawyer, party, or juror to appear remotely forContinue reading “Supreme Court Issues 55th Emergency Order”

Judges and the Ethics of Fundraising

Fundraising by judges can be a tricky business. Judges may participate in activities outside the court, but many charitable and civic-minded organizations rely upon donations from the public to run. Participation in worthwhile organizations that depend on fundraising for support is a continuing dilemma for judges. First, an elected judge may raise funds for election,Continue reading “Judges and the Ethics of Fundraising”

TCCA Highlight: Pat Riffel 

Mark Goodner sat down with Pat Riffel to discuss the Texas Court Clerks Association (TCCA).  MG: Pat, first of all let me say congratulations again for being named the TMCA Outstanding Clerk of the Year at the recent TMCA Annual Meeting. I know you don’t want me to mention that, but I am so happyContinue reading “TCCA Highlight: Pat Riffel “

Municipal Court Week: November 7-11, 2022

Municipal Court Week is a time to appreciate the dedicated individuals that comprise the Texas municipal judiciary. It is also a great opportunity to share with the public the important role that local courts and their personnel play in preserving public safety. Every city celebrates in their own unique way. TMCEC encourages all municipal courtsContinue reading “Municipal Court Week: November 7-11, 2022”

This Month in Case Law History: Sabine and Individual Liability for Officers of Corporations

31 years ago this month, a the Austin Court of Appeals reached a decision in a case cited in Chapter 15 of the TMCEC Bench Book (Corporations and Associations). Sabine Consol., Inc. v. State, 816 S.W.2d 784 (Tex. App.—Austin 1991, pet. ref’d) was decided on August 28, 1991.  In September 1985, two construction workers employed byContinue reading “This Month in Case Law History: Sabine and Individual Liability for Officers of Corporations”

From the 800 Line: Community Service and Jail Credit Rates

Art. 45.041 of the Code of Criminal Procedure tells us, in part that the “the judgment and sentence, in case of conviction in a criminal action before a justice of the peace or municipal court judge, shall be that the defendant pay the amount of the fine and costs to the state.” Although this isContinue reading “From the 800 Line: Community Service and Jail Credit Rates”

Is Technology the Answer to Speeding Fatalities?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding caused 11,258 United States traffic fatalities in 2020. Some traffic fatalities may simply be unavoidable. For example, a cautious, law-abiding driver hits a patch of invisible black ice and loses control of his vehicle. Speeding fatalities, on the other hand, are the result of a consciousContinue reading “Is Technology the Answer to Speeding Fatalities?”

Resource Highlight: Cash Bond Refund Form from OCA

Section 13 of S.B. 6, known as the Damon Allen Act, added Section 17.53 to the Code of Criminal Procedure requiring OCA to develop statewide procedures and prescribe forms to be used by a court to facilitate the refund of any cash funds paid toward a monetary bond, with an emphasis on refunding those fundsContinue reading “Resource Highlight: Cash Bond Refund Form from OCA”