Much like Frankenstein’s Monster, every researcher begins with a kind of linguistic infancy—punching in a few keywords, seeing what comes up, and hoping for the best. This is the “fire bad” stage of searching: simple, direct, but often imprecise. Then comes the next phase—the learning, the refinement, the humanizing process. As we grow more skilled, we start using controlled vocabularies Boolean operators, and Terms & Connectors to sculpt our queries with precision. We might even engage with AI-powered tools or Large Language Models that can parse meaning, context, and nuance—much like Shelley’s creature learning to manipulate words and master the expression of complex human emotion. This increases the specificity and relevance of our results, and we exclaim: “It’s alive. It’s ALIVE!” The feeling can be electric!
Read moreWhen most people hear “law,” they imagine courtroom dramas or criminal trials. The truth is, legal issues impact our daily lives much more than we realize—especially civil law. From leases to medical bills, knowing basic legal terms can protect your rights, help you make informed decisions, and prevent costly mistakes.
Read moreIn 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 moreWe often receive questions from pro se litigants about how to file their case documents electronically. This short guide will help you get started with e-filing in Texas without an attorney.
Read moreMany pro se litigants are required to attend a “prove-up hearing” or file a “prove-up affidavit” as part of their case. While most pro se litigants will only encounter prove-ups in the context of a divorce, prove-up hearings or affidavits may also be required for other types of uncontested cases.
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