Defendants with an intellectual disability or mental illness present unique challenges for those involved in law enforcement, such as peace officers and prosecutors. As the number of defendants increases, the need for law enforcement to be educated and trained to manage those individuals becomes much more evident. Recognizing this need, the Texas District & County Attorneys Association has published Mental Health Law for Prosecutors, a manual addressing not only the laws regarding insanity and incompetency but also the availability of mental health resources.
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.
Read moreSexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and the Law in a Nutshell
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and the Law in a Nutshell provides a good overview of some of the unique laws surrounding and the issues facing the LGBT community. Inside, you will find succinct, yet detailed discussions of the regulation of sexuality, gender identity and expression, parenthood, and marriage.
Read moreDisability as a Social Construct
Image credit: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/inclusion-group-wheelchair-5249903/
The Professional Engagement, Growth, and Advancement Special Interest Section (PEGA-SIS) of the American Association of Law Libraries recently hosted a discussion on hidden disabilities in the workplace. One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the idea that “disability” is a social construct. Searching for a fuller explanation of this idea led to today’s blog post.
Read moreCiv Pro: Which court do I file in?
Many pro se litigants, or those filing lawsuits without the help of a lawyer, have questions about where to file their court documents. Read on to learn about the court structure of Texas and the different courts in the state and in Harris County. Keep in mind that if you are still unsure of where to file, it is always best to consult with an attorney.
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