Municipal Court Week
(Courts: Feel free to use the above logo for your Municipal Court Week signage!)
November 2-6, 2020
As recognized by House Resolution 1658 (2019)
To celebrate Municipal Court Week, TMCEC, in collaboration with stakeholders across the state, has prepared model resolutions for 2019 and 2020 which allows city councils to publicly demonstrate their recognition of the importance of municipal courts, the rule of law, and the fair and impartial administration of justice.
In light of increased media focus on indigence issues, TMCEC believes now is the time for cities across the Lone Star State to reflect and rededicate themselves to the fundamental ideals which make up the proper foundation of local courts in Texas.
The resolution recognizes the important work of municipal courts and the people who work in the courts. It embraces the principle of judicial independence. It succinctly states the proper relationship between city council and the municipal court. It makes clear that in Texas, the procedures of municipal court operation are determined by state law, not the city council. Lastly, it is an opportunity for the city council to demonstrate their recognition of procedural safeguards for all defendants, including indigent defendants, and to show support of the municipal court in independently applying all laws in a way that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.
TMCEC encourages all cities to adopt the attached model resolution in recognition of Municipal Court Week. All cities that adopt the resolution and notify TMCEC of its adoption will be recognized by TMCEC in a future edition of The Recorder.
If your city adopts the resolution, let us know by e-mail to Ned@tmcec.com
Join municipal courts, city councils, and communities throughout Texas in showing appreciation for the dedicated municipal judges, court clerks, court administrators, prosecutors, bailiffs, and warrant officers who comprise the Texas municipal courts from November 5-9, 2018. Municipal Court Week is a great time to not only recognize how much municipal courts do, but to share with the public the important role that local courts and their personnel play in the criminal justice system and the larger community.
Possible activities:
- Set up an anti-impaired driving exhibit at the courthouse
- Utilize social media to recognize the court and promote traffic safety
- Ask your city council to issue a local proclamation (click here for a sample)
- Ask your city council to pass a local resolution (see TMCEC model resolution above)
- Host a tour of your court for the city council and the public. While they are there, ask the presiding judge to make a presentation
- Hold a mock trial with a local high school government class acting as the key players
- Show the court staff what a great job they are doing by treating them to a staff appreciation lunch or have a brown-bag lunch hour together
- Host a Q&A column in the newspaper all week to explain how your municipal court works
Remember to start planning early and have fun!
We want to hear all about your celebration so please send copies of your activities, calendar, and/or news clippings to Ned Minevitz (ned@tmcec.com) so that we can share them with other courts and post them on this website!
To order FREE traffic safety and impaired driving prevention materials to hand out during Municipal Courts Week, please contact Ned Minevitz (ned@tmcec.com or 512-320-8274) or visit the Resources Page.
Maximize Community Participation! Click here for a press release template to promote Municipal Courts Week!
Municipal Court Week By Year
2018: Participating Courts, What Courts Did, Pictures
2017: Participating Courts, What Courts Did, Pictures
2016: Participating Courts, What Courts Did, Map, Pictures
2015: Participating Courts, What Courts Did, Map, Pictures
2014: Participating Courts, What Courts Did, Pictures
2013: What Courts Did
in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation
