Each October, we celebrate “pro bono” work. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “In Latin, pro bono publico means ‘for the public good;’ in English we generally shorten the phrase to pro bono.” Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL) is in the midst of its Harvest Peer-to-Peer Campaign, in which they are asking individuals to engage in pro bono efforts by giving their time or treasure.
Read moreSolicite un intérprete
Antes que su cita con un juez se aproxime asegúrese de obtener un intérprete de idiomas, especialmente si tiene una discapacidad auditiva o no se siente cómodo comunicándose en inglés. Un pariente o amigo no podrá ayudarle como intérprete.
Read moreRepresenting 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.
Read moreCourt 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.
Read moreHarris 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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