This blog post was originally published on October 11, 2022 and was last updated on May 9, 2024. At a hearing, the judge will “hear” filings for a court case. There may be multiple hearings for your case, depending on what has been filed. This post in the Civ Pro series will address questions frequently asked by pro se (self-represented) litigants about “setting” (scheduling) a hearing for their civil case. Generally, as a pro se litigant, you will be responsible for setting a hearing for your case. The court will not automatically set a hearing for you. When can I set my hearing? When you fi ..read more

This post was originally published on June 2, 2022 and was last updated on February 29, 2024. Many pro se litigants are required to attend a “prove-up hearing” or file a “prove-up affidavit” as part of their case. While most pro se litigants will only encounter prove-ups in the context of a divorce, prove-up hearings or affidavits may also be required for other types of uncontested cases. According to Black's Law Dictionary, “a prove-up is necessary when a factual assertion is unopposed because even without opposition, the claim must be supported by evidence.” Generally, you are required ..read more

Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay From the shores of the Gulf Coast to the rolling hills painted in swaths of blue, red, and yellow in spring to the rugged mesas of the Chihuahuan Desert, Texans are passionate about their land. With this love comes a fierce desire to protect it and their interests in it. Texans don’t like to be fenced in, and they certainly don’t like the government taking their land unjustly, or without receiving compensation in return. Recently, the United States Supreme Court handed down an opinion in DeVillier, et al. v. Texas, 601 U.S. _ (2024), which has far-reachin ..read more

Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay It looks like there might be a showdown in Houston as the hometown Coogs take on the National Football League (NFL) over the colors of their alternate uniforms.  At the beginning of the 2023 season, the University of Houston Cougars debuted alternate uniforms, sporting familiar shades of light blue, red, and white. The color scheme hearkened back to the halcyon days of the “Luv Ya’ Blue” era of the Houston Oilers. Ordinarily, such nostalgia would be welcome. Hometown fans embraced it, but the NFL pulled out the welcome mat from below the Coogs’ cleat ..read more

As we commemorate Law Day 2024, dedicated to celebrating the principles of democracy and the rule of law, we are thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking initiative that embodies these values: the LAWPod. Developed through a significant collaboration between the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library and the Harris County Public Library, the LAWPod initiative is poised to revolutionize legal access and empowerment within our community. The 2024 Law Day theme, "Voices of Democracy," resonates deeply with the mission of the LAWPod. It emphasizes the importance of democratic principles, where ..read more

Today is Law Day, an annual national observance of the effect of the rule of law on American society. Law Day is an opportunity for all citizens to celebrate the liberties offered by democracy and to encourage deeper understanding of the legal system. The American Bar Association (ABA) recognizes Law Day each year by developing programs and activities centered around a theme that reflects the importance of the rule of law in society. This year’s theme, “Voices of Democracy,” highlights the importance of citizens’ participation in a functioning democracy. In 2024, the United States will hold i ..read more

This blog post was originally published on April 24, 2020, and was last updated on April 25, 2024. Today is Arbor Day, a national event held annually on the last Friday in April, and earlier in the week, on April 22, we celebrated Earth Day. In recognition of these twin occasions, we at the Hainsworth Law Library have compiled a brief list of resources about trees and the law. Image credit: https://www.loc.gov/resource/cph.3b48810/ Do you specialize in an unusual branch of the law? Or does the law leave you stumped? What exactly is the root of your legal concern? On this Arbor Day, leave it t ..read more

This blog post was originally published on March 29, 2022 and was last updated on April 16, 2024. The Texas Supreme Court Judicial Committee on Information Technology approved new State Mandated Technology Standards for e-filing, effective March 6, 2024. This blog post features updated information on e-filing in Texas for pro se litigants and includes a list of helpful resources and answers to questions most frequently asked by our patrons. Pro se (self-represented) litigants may e-file their documents without the assistance of an attorney. However, the e-filing process may be complicated. If ..read more

The unauthorized practice of law (UPL) is something that law librarians who work directly with the public have to always keep in mind. In Texas, the practice of law is defined as: 1.      The preparation of a pleading or other document incident to an action or special proceeding or the management of the action or proceeding on behalf of a client before a judge in court. 2.      A service rendered out of court, including the giving of advice or the rendering of any service requiring the use of legal skill or knowledge Anyone who is found practic ..read more

Much has been written and said about Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. He has been the subject of countless books (over 60,000) and numerous documentaries and films (including one where he was a vampire hunter). Despite this media saturation, Abraham Lincoln, the man, still has the power and ability to captivate and appeal to generations because of his heroism and courage, his empathy, his civility, and of course, his honesty. These qualities are often trumpeted as ideals that ought to be applauded and imitated. Jonathan Shapiro, a writer, producer, and attorney, think ..read more