African-American women are running to be judicial candidates in Harris County Texas. They met for the first-time at a Democratic Party meet-up on January 18. They both agreed to run for office if given the opportunity. While their candidacies may shock you, they are all capable. We will show you why these women are the best candidates to fill the Harris County judicial positions. First, you must understand who these women actually are.
Women judges
Harris County voters elected 19 African American women to judicial positions in 2018. Many of the new judges met for the first-time at a Democratic Party gathering. The women are hoping that their presence in the courtroom will change racial disparities. Women judges have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people of color. They set the tone in the courtroom and ensure fair hearings.
The Connecticut Trans-Advocacy Coalition praised the election of 19 black women into Harris County's Criminal Court at Law No. 12. These women were part the "Black Girl Magic” campaign. The women in the ad campaign portrayed by the ads were all Harris County judges, including two who lost their bids to serve on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Both women retained their judges' current jobs, but they made sure to include the voices of their peers in their campaigns.
Pandemic-induced frustrations
Harris County's inmates are long and many of them face violent charges. In some cases the county has placed a halt on inmates' cases. However, elected officials from the county and the state were open to the possibility of releasing inmates to help stop the spread the pandemic virus. In a virtual court hearing, it was revealed that only seven of the 60 inmates had been released from their cases.
Additionally, the COVID era and recent pandemic have led to a rise in criminal cases. County courts had to devise safe ways to conduct trials. Many criminal cases were also halted during the pandemic. The number of COVID cases in Harris County rose by 35% during the pandemic. This led to more delays.
Backlog of felonies that are still being processed
According to Harris County's District Attorney's Office of Harris County there has been a backlog of felonies. The backlog has now reached 135,000 cases. It is almost five years in length. This figure is higher than many would expect, especially when you consider the impact of Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. The backlog is expected reduce, but The Forward Times intends to continue investigating how law enforcement agencies collaborate with the courts as well as how much money is being spent to clear it.
Harris County leaders have approved a resolution asking the Texas Legislature for the creation of a second district criminal court in an effort to reduce the backlog. The backlog has made it difficult for local prosecutors to make ends meet. Kim Ogg, District Attorney, stated that her office prioritized cases involving violent crime. Jose Hidalgo, District Attorney, called the backlog "an urgent situation."
Education of judges
Despite an increase of homicides recently, the area has not seen any major changes to its criminal justice systems. Nevertheless, judges in Harris County have been working to make it better for the residents of the county. In January, Judge Holly Williamson was elected the county's Justice of Peace. Prior to this, she was a federal, state, district, and JP judge. With a budget exceeding 1.3 million dollars she manages over 22,000 cases per year. This includes civil and criminal trials, bench and jury trials, hot check, probable cause hearings, and the truancy courts.
Judge Jackson is a mentor to at-risk youths and active in many community service organizations. She has been a Houston Chapter of Links, Inc. member since childhood, and she is the chair of the Services to Youth program. She is also an active member of Lakewood Church, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
FAQ
Which type of lawyer are you most in demand?
It is best to simply say there are two types. These are transactional and litigation lawyers. Transactional lawyers work with business law and contracts. Litigation lawyers handle lawsuits. Specialists in both areas of law are known as generalists. The best-known type of generalist is the "Big Law", which refers to an attorney who practices in large firms and deals with many different types. Generalists may be transactional or litigation lawyers.
Transactional lawyers deal with all types of legal matters, such as divorces. These lawyers are often paid a contingency basis. They are only paid if their client wins. If the client loses the case, the lawyer is not paid. Because they have to pass trials to win cases, these lawyers are sometimes called "trial attorneys".
Litigation lawyers handle lawsuits. They represent clients in courtrooms as well as administrative hearings. In addition, some litigators also do transactional work. Some litigators may even draft documents for clients. A company can hire litigation lawyers to help it defend itself against a lawsuit brought forward by another company. One person may hire them to sue another person (the victim). Some litigators are only interested in personal injury cases. Others focus on commercial disputes. Still, others practice family law.
Litigation lawyers must know how to argue and present evidence before judges and juries. They should be able to understand the rules and regulations of civil procedure, as well as the laws governing litigation. They must be able to research and analyze facts and issues. They must be skilled negotiators.
Do lawyers earn more than other professions in the United States?
No. Lawyers typically earn less than doctors, dentists, engineers, architects, teachers, nurses, accountants, pharmacists, and veterinarians. Lawyers average $55,000 annually.
How can a lawyer make 7 figure income?
A lawyer should understand the law's impact on business transactions. They need to know how businesses work and what makes them tick. They can then advise clients on legal matters, from beginning to end.
They must be able to negotiate contracts and ensure that all parties are satisfied with the result. Also, lawyers must be proficient at writing court documents and briefs. Additionally, lawyers must have the ability to communicate with clients and build trust.
To earn $7,000 an hour, you must be able to communicate well with colleagues, clients, employees, or customers. It is also important to be able manage your time effectively so you can meet deadlines. You must also have good organizational skills and be able to multitask.
Are all attorneys required to wear suits?
It is not necessary. Some people prefer casual attire while others like suits. Many lawyers dress casually. Some states, however, require lawyers to wear business attire.
What is the distinction between a civil lawyer and a personal attorney?
People who are hurt by no fault of theirs can have personal injury lawyers representing them. These injuries can include car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, among others.
The civil rights lawyers represent people whose constitutional rights were violated. You can find discrimination based upon race, gender and sexual orientation as well as disability.
Statistics
- The median annual salary for lawyers in 2016 was $118,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (rasmussen.edu)
- A Johns Hopkins study of more than 100 professions found lawyers the most likely to have severe depression—four times more likely than the average person. (rasmussen.edu)
- The states that saw the biggest increase in average salary over the last 5 years are Rhode Island (+26.6%), Wisconsin (+24.1), Massachusetts (23.2%), Wyoming (18.3%), and North Dakota (18.1%). (legal.io)
- According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average annual wage of a lawyer is $144,230. (legal.io)
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for lawyers in 2020 was $126,930. (stfrancislaw.com)
External Links
How To
How to make a Will with a Lawyer
A will is an important legal document which determines who gets the property after you die. It also contains instructions on how to pay off debts and other financial obligations.
A solicitor (lawyer) should prepare a will. Two witnesses must sign it. You can decide not to have a Will if you don't want any restrictions on who the money goes to. This can cause problems later, if you are unable or unwilling to consent to medical treatment.
If you do not have a will, the state will appoint trustees to manage your estate until you die. This includes paying off all debts and donating any property. If there's no will, trustees may sell your house to make the funds available for your beneficiaries. They may charge a fee to manage your estate.
There are three main reasons why you need to draw up a will. First, it protects your loved one from being left without a will. Secondly, it ensures that your wishes are carried out after you die. It allows your executor to be more efficient in carrying out your wishes.
First, contact a lawyer to discuss your options. Costs for a will vary depending on whether you are married or single. As well as writing a will for you, solicitors can offer advice on many other issues such as:
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Gifts to family members
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Guardianship of children
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Repaying loans
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Manage your affairs while you're still alive
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Avoid probate
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How to avoid capital gains Tax when selling assets
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What happens if your home isn't sold before you die?
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Who pays the funeral costs?
You have two options: either you can write it yourself or you can ask a friend or relative for help. It is important to remember that you can't change a will signed at the request or of another person.