2009 Fall Judicial Session

November 17-19, 2009

Omni Corpus Christi Hotel - Marina Towers

707 North Shoreline Blvd.

Corpus Christi, Texas 78401

(361) 887-1600

Sponsored by: The Texas Judicial Academy, A Partnership between the County Judges Education Committee of the Texas Association of Counties and Texas Tech University School of Law

Agenda

Tuesday, November 17

7:30-5 p.m.	Registration
7:30 a.m.	Coffee and Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m.	Call to Order & Introductions Presiding: The Honorable Harrison Stafford II; Chair, County Judges Education Committee, Jackson County Judge
8:15 a.m.	TABC - New Liqour License Rules The TABC deputy general counsel will explain changes in the process of licensing and permitting liquor sales. Ms. Joan Bates, Deputy General Counsel, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
9:15 a.m.	Break
9:45 a.m.	Guardianship: The Role of the Guardian Ad Litem This session focuses on the factors and problems involved in appointing an agent to represent the interests of an incapacitated, mentally handicapped, or minor person in a legal proceeding. Mr. Craig Hopper, Partner, Hopper & Associates
10:45 a.m.	Dealing with the Pro Se Litigant Dealing with pro se litigants is a complex responsibility that falls upon county judges. Learn how to find a position that enables the pro se party to adequately represent himself or herself while not giving him or her either and advantage or disadvantage in the proceeding. Mr. Rodney Gilstrap, Partner, Smith & Gilstrap, and former Harrison County Judge
11:45 a.m.	Lunch on your own
1:00 p.m.	Criminal Sentencing Options This session focuses on developing a system to utilize intensive supervision, review the status of offenders placed on alternative sentencing, and conduct status reviews of defendants' performance with the participation of probation officers. The Honorable Don Higginbotham, Williamson County Court at Law #3 Judge
2:15 p.m.	Break
2:45 p.m.	Juvenile Hearing Video with Responders Learn how to conduct a juvenile hearing. The audience will use wireless responders to participate in this session. Mr. Evan Gonzales, Judicial Project Director, Texas Association of Counties, and former Lee County Judge
4 p.m.	Criminal Justice Information System Do you know what data your county needs to report to DPS concerning the criminal court? This session will explain what is required. Ms. Cassandra Richey, CJIS Support Unit Supervisor, Texas Department of Public Safety
5:00 p.m.	Recess

Wednesday, November 18

7:30 a.m.	Coffee and Continental Breakfast
8 a.m.	Judicial Ethics This speaker explains the code of Judicial Conduct and discusses common problems that confront county judges. Ms. Seana Willing, Executive Director, State Commission on Judicial Conduct
8:45 a.m.	Judicial Readiness in Times of Emergency This session prepares county judges to take appropriate action to enable their courts to function in the event a disaster strikes their county. The Honorable Olen Underwood, Senior State District Judge of the 284th Judicial District, Montgomery County and Presiding Judge of the Second Administrative Judicial Region of Texas Mr. Ted Wood, Assistant General Counsel, State Office of Court Administration, and former Randall County Judge
9:45 a.m.	Break
10 a.m.	What you Wish the Lawyers Knew At times, lawyers select the wrong remedy for the client's problem. Learn how to address this issue, obtain the appropriate pleadings and do so without irritating the local bar association. Lawyers are officers of the court and should respond to the court as well as clients. This presentation explores ways to assist the lawyers who practice in your court. Mr. Gene Terry, Assistant Executive Director, Texas Association of Counties, and former Marion County Judge
11 a.m.	Parental Responsibility in Juvenile Matters This session analyzes the sanctions that may be imposed on parents and evaluates successes in holding parents accountable for their children's lives.
11:45 a.m.	Lunch on your own
1 p.m.	Adult Probation: Terms and Conditions A retired criminal district attorney explains what is permissible and what is prohibited in setting the terms and conditions of criminal probation. Mr. Marcus Taylor, Criminal District Attorney, Wood County (retired)
2 p.m.	Break
2:30 p.m.	Fair Defense Act: Update and Implementation This presentation examines the importance to all stake holders of an adequate legal defense process in the criminal justice system, including indigent defendants and will consider the practical aspects of administering the provisions of the Indigent Defense Act. Mr. Dominic Gonzales, Grant Program Specialist, Texas Task Force on Indigent Defense, Office of Court Administration Ms. Jennifer Willyard, Grant Program Specialist, Texas Task Force on Indigent Defense, Office of Court Administration
3:45 p.m.	Understanding the Civil Bench Trial Script This session explains ways to use the bench trial script when conducting civil court. The Honorable Kirkland Fulk, Mills County Judge
4:30 p.m.	Recess
6:00-7:00 p.m.	Reception honoring the Fellows of the Texas Judicial Academy
7:00 p.m.	Banquet (spouses invited)

Thursday, November 19

7:30 a.m.	Coffee and Continental Breakfast
8 a.m.	Evidence: Experts, Documents and Stipulations Mr. Gleason provides guidance in recognizing appropriate standards for admitting evidence in a court procedure. The Honorable Bill Gleason, Marion County District/County Attorney
9 a.m.	Break
9:30 a.m.	The Criminal Jury Trial This session discusses the steps of a criminal jury trial. The Honorable David Aken, San Patricio County Attorney
10:45 a.m.	Judicial Legislative Update Hear and update on changes from the 81st Legislature affecting the judicial duties of county judges and other new legislation pertinent to county government. Mr. Bob Bass, Partner, Allison, Bass & Associates
12 p.m.	Recess

agenda subject to change