In Texas, there are three basic phases of a civil lawsuit: Pretrial, Trial, and Post-Trial. A “hearing” usually refers to a formal proceeding before a court to resolve a certain issue before a full “court trial,” during which a judge will both decide the facts of a case and apply the law. This post in the Civ Pro series will address questions frequently asked by pro se (self-represented) litigants about setting a hearing for their civil case. Generally, as a pro se litigant, you will be responsible for setting the hearing for your case. The court will not automatically set a hearing for you or notify you of when a hearing has been set.
Read moreKeep Your Hands Off My Land!
From the shores of the Gulf Coast to the rolling hills painted in swaths of blue, red, and yellow in spring to the rugged mesas of the Chihuahuan Desert, Texans are passionate about their land. With this love comes a fierce desire to protect it and their interests in it. Texans don’t like to be fenced in, and they certainly don’t like the government taking their land unjustly, or without receiving compensation in return. Recently, the United States Supreme Court handed down an opinion in DeVillier, et al. v. Texas, 601 U.S. _ (2024), which has far-reaching implications for many Texas property owners.
Read moreHouston's "Luv Ya'" Blues
It looks like there might be a showdown in Houston as the hometown Coogs take on the National Football League (NFL) over the colors of their alternate uniforms. At the beginning of the 2023 season, the University of Houston Cougars debuted alternate uniforms, sporting familiar shades of light blue, red, and white. The color scheme hearkened back to the halcyon days of the “Luv Ya’ Blue” era of the Houston Oilers. Ordinarily, such nostalgia would be welcome. Hometown fans embraced it, but the NFL pulled out the welcome mat from below the Coogs’ cleats.
Read moreIntroducing the LAWPod: Bridging the Justice Gap on Law Day 2024
As we commemorate Law Day 2024, dedicated to celebrating the principles of democracy and the rule of law, we are thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking initiative that embodies these values: the LAWPod. Developed through a significant collaboration between the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library and the Harris County Public Library, the LAWPod initiative is poised to revolutionize legal access and empowerment within our community.
Read moreLaw Day 2024: Voices of Democracy
Today is Law Day, an annual national observance of the effect of the rule of law on American society. Law Day is an opportunity for all citizens to celebrate the liberties offered by democracy and to encourage deeper understanding of the legal system. The American Bar Association (ABA) recognizes Law Day each year by developing programs and activities centered around a theme that reflects the importance of the rule of law in society.
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