African-American women have applied for judicial offices in Harris County Texas. On January 18, they met for the first time at a Democratic Party get-together. They were willing to run if they had the opportunity. Although their candidacies might surprise you, they are all capable. You will learn why they are the most qualified candidates to fill the Harris County judgeship vacancies. First, let's get to know who these women really are.
Women judges
Harris County voters voted in 19 African-American women for judicial posts in 2018. Many of these new Judges met for the very first time at an event hosted by the Democratic Party. Women hope their presence in the courtroom can change racial disparities. Women judges have an unique opportunity to improve the lives of people of colour. They are the judges who set the tone and make the hearings fair.
In the midst of the gloomy news, the Connecticut Trans-Advocacy Coalition applauded the election of 19 black women to Harris County's Criminal Court at Law No. 12. The women were part of the "Black Girl Magic" campaign. The women in the ad campaign portrayed by the ads were all Harris County judges, including two who lost their bids to serve on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. While both women were able to retain their jobs as judges, they also made sure that their campaigns included the voices of their peers.
Pandemic-induced frustrations
Harris County's inmates are long and many of them face violent charges. In certain cases, the county has placed an inmate's case on hold. Nonetheless, the state and county elected officials were considering releasing the inmates as a way to control the spread of the pandemic virus. A virtual court hearing revealed that only seven of 60 inmates had been freed from their cases.
The recent pandemic and COVID era policies have also led to an increase in criminal case backlogs. Many criminal cases were stopped for months by the pandemic, which forced county courts to find safe ways to hold trials. During the pandemic, COVID cases in Harris County increased by more than 35%, which led to even more delays.
Backlog of felonies in progress
According to the District Attorney's Office of Harris County, a backlog of incoming felonies has accumulated in Harris County. The backlog has now reached 135,000 cases. It is almost five years in length. This number is much higher than most people would expect, especially considering the effects of Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19. The backlog is expected decrease but The Forward Times will continue investigating how law enforcement agencies and the courts cooperate to address the problem.
In an effort to reduce the backlog, Harris County leaders approved a resolution calling on the Texas Legislature to create another district criminal court. Local prosecutors have been stretched by the backlog. District Attorney Kim Ogg said her office was prioritizing cases involving violent crimes. Jose Hidalgo, District Attorney, called the backlog "an urgent situation."
Education of judges
Despite an increase of homicides recently, the area has not seen any major changes to its criminal justice systems. Judges in Harris County are working to improve the lives of residents. In January, Judge Holly Williamson was elected the county's Justice of Peace. She was previously a lawyer in JP and state courts, as well as federal district and state court. With a budget in excess of 1.3 million dollars, she supervises over 20k cases per annum, including civil and penal matters, bench trials and jury trials, hot checks and probable cause hearings and truancy proceedings.
Judge Jackson, among her many commitments is a mentor for at–risk youths. She also participates in several community service organisations. She is a Houston Chapter of Links, Inc., where her Services to Youth program chair, and a Houston Livestock Show Rodeo member for over 40 years. She is also a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member and a member of Lakewood Church.
FAQ
What is the difference between paralegals and legal assistants?
Paralegals can be trained to do specific tasks like typing, filing, and researching. Legal assistants may assist attorneys in preparing pleadings, drafting motions, or researching. These professionals are essential for attorneys to be able to finish their work.
What is a pro bono lawyer?
A pro bono attorney is someone who provides legal services free of charge to those who cannot afford them. These lawyers are often part-time lawyers, but they also work on their own. Pro bono work can range from helping out elderly clients with estate planning issues to representing indigent defendants.
What is the difference between a civil and personal injury lawyer?
Individuals who are injured due to no fault of their own can seek the help of personal injury lawyers. These injuries may include car accidents and slip-and-falls as well as dog bites.
These civil rights lawyers represent individuals whose constitutional rights have not been respected. Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, disability, or any other factor is an example.
How do lawyers make their money?
Legal professionals are paid an hourly rate for the time that they spend on legal matters. Hourly rates will vary depending on how complex the matter is and how much experience a lawyer has.
Because they have built expertise over many decades, the most skilled lawyers charge higher hourly rates.
A less experienced lawyer may bill lower hourly rates as he/she learns how to handle cases more efficiently.
Many lawyers receive additional compensation for handling specific types of cases in addition to their hourly rates. For example, criminal defense lawyers may be awarded bonuses if they win acquittals.
Are all attorneys required wear suits?
It is not necessary. Some prefer to wear casual clothes while others prefer suits. Lawyers often dress casually. However, some states require that lawyers wear business attire.
Statistics
- According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average annual wage of a lawyer is $144,230. (legal.io)
- The median annual salary for lawyers in 2016 was $118,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (rasmussen.edu)
- Though the BLS predicts that growth in employment for lawyers will continue at six percent through 2024, that growth may not be enough to provide jobs for all graduating law school students. (rasmussen.edu)
- According to a 2019 Robert Half Legal Consulting Solutions survey, 54% of law firms were planning to expand their legal teams. (stfrancislaw.com)
- Just 59.2 percent of 2015 law school grads held full-time, long-term jobs as lawyers 10 months after graduation, according to data from the American Bar Association (ABA). (rasmussen.edu)
External Links
How To
How to make a Will with a Lawyer
A will is an important legal document determining who gets what after you die. It also provides instructions on how you will pay your debts and other financial obligations.
A will should be drafted by a solicitor (lawyer) and signed by two witnesses. You can decide not to have a Will if you don't want any restrictions on who the money goes to. This may cause problems later on, when you are unable consent to medical treatments or to decide where your loved ones live.
The state can appoint trustees to administer your estate until you are buried. This includes paying off all debts and donating any property. The trustees will then sell your house and divide the proceeds between your beneficiaries if there is not a will. They will also charge a fee for administering your estate.
There are three main reasons why you need to draw up a will. Firstly, it protects your loved ones against being left penniless. It ensures your wishes are fulfilled after you pass away. It also makes it easier to designate an executor (person who will carry out your wishes).
Contact a solicitor first to discuss your options. The cost of a Will will differ depending on whether the person is single, married, widowed, or divorced. In addition to writing a will, solicitors can advise you on other matters such as:
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Making gifts to family members
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Guardianship of children
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Repaying loans
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Manage your affairs while still alive
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Avoid probate
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How to avoid capital gains Tax when selling assets
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What happens to your house if you pass away before it is sold?
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Who pays for funeral costs
You can either write your own will or ask someone you know to help. It is important to remember that you can't change a will signed at the request or of another person.