Law Library Rules & Policies
Law Library Rules
To better serve all of the Law Library's patrons, these revised rules were instituted by the Harris County Commissioners Court and became effective on January 1, 2024. To ensure all patrons have access to a safe, non-disruptive place to conduct legal research, these rules are strictly enforced. The Law Library is patrolled by an investigator of the Harris County Attorney's Office and deputy constables from Harris County Precinct One. Patrons found in violation of the rules may be removed from the Law Library by these peace officers.
If you would like a copy of the rules as passed by the Harris County Commissioners Court, click here to download a PDF or visit the Law Library reference desk for a printed copy. To see the rules written out on a webpage, please click here.
Law Library Copyright Policy
The Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library (“Law Library”) Copyright Policy establishes guidelines regarding the Fair Use of copyrighted materials and the reproduction of such materials, through copying, downloading, scanning, or any other electronic means. This policy will apply to all library patrons.
The Law Library’s mission is “to provide all of its patrons access to relevant, current, accurate, and practical legal information in the most appropriate and cost-effective formats possible and to provide educational opportunities designed to enhance patrons’ understanding of legal information and how it is accessed.” This Copyright Policy supports that mission but also recognizes the Law Library’s responsibility to comply with relevant federal legislation regarding copyright.
If you would like a copy of the Copyright Policy, click the Copyright Policy image above to download a PDF or visit the Law Library reference desk for a printed copy.
Filming and Photography Policy
The Law Library is designated by Harris County Commissioners Court as a space for persons engaged in legal research. Filming and photography in the Law Library without permission is prohibited. Law Library patrons are prohibited from filming and photographing other law library patrons or otherwise disrupting patrons’ use of the Law Library. Law Library patrons are prohibited from harassing Law Library staff or otherwise disrupting Law Library services by engaging in filming or photography in the Law Library. Violation of this policy may result in the responsible patron being asked to leave the Law Library until such time as the patron, in the reasonable opinion of Law Library staff, is able to demonstrate an ability and willingness to comply with Law Library Rules.
If you would like a copy of the Filming and Photography Policy, click the Filming and Photography Policy image above to download a PDF or visit the Law Library reference desk for a printed copy.
Policy Respecting Personal and Digital Property
Our staff members seek to provide excellent service to our patrons while respecting their personal and digital property. As such, staff members cannot:
1. Retrieve personal items, including money or documents, from a patron’s personal belongings.
2. Enter log in credentials or data into a patron’s personal digital device.
3. Enter log in credentials or data for a patron’s personal digital account using a Law Library computer.
Patrons are responsible for their personal and digital property at all times while visiting the Law Library, and should never leave personal property unattended or leave a computer without logging out of all digital accounts. The Law Library is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal or digital property.
Law Library Accessibility Policy
The Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library is committed to promoting open and equal access to justice for all and does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Click the image to the right to view and/or download the full version of the Law Library’s Accessibility Policy and procedure for ADA Accommodation Requests, or view the full version, along with information about available assistive technology, on the Law Library’s website here.
