Representing Yourself In Court

The Law Library offers several self-help resources for pro se litigants. “Pro se litigant” refers to someone who is a party in a court case without an attorney. Find books and guides by visiting the library in person. A library card is not required for accessing the print collection. Legal print materials may only be used on-site and are not available for checkout.

Recommended online resources are also included and can be accessed remotely.

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Court Technology Innovations: New Challenges with the New Normal

How have courts met the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with new innovations in court technology? And have these innovations made access to justice easier, or more difficult? According to a recent report from The Pew Charitable Trusts, courts across the country have rapidly adapted online and remote services in a time when in-person access to the courts was greatly restricted while at the same time the need for legal services skyrocketed. Almost all aspects of court proceedings have been affected, including conducting hearings, processing filings, and enforcing judgments and decisions.

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Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library Wins Award for Virtual Presence Device

Earlier this week, the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library received the O. James Werner Award for Distinguished Service to Persons with Disabilities for providing extended, remote access to justice during the pandemic via STAN (Synchronous Touchless Assistive Node), a virtual presence device that is stationed in the Law Library lobby during operating hours. This award was from the Government Law Libraries Special Interest Section of the American Association of Law Libraries.

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Connect with Your Law Library

It’s National Library Week, and the Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library is celebrating! This year’s theme is “Connect with Your Library.” In recognition of the many organizations in Harris County that are committed to improving access to justice, we are spotlighting the community partners with whom we share a common goal – connecting with low income individuals and families in need of legal assistance, information, and resources. We, the Law Library, connect with them, the vital community partners, so that all of us can can connect with you, the many visitors we see every day!

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