Cass County Partners with Lone Star Legal Aid to Support Access to Justice with Kiosk in Courthouse

Cass County Partners with Lone Star Legal Aid to Support Access to Justice with Kiosk in Courthouse

In a move to bridge the gap in legal aid accessibility, Lone Start Legal Aid (LSLA) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, installing cutting-edge kiosks in courthouses across some of its rural service areas. These easy-touse kiosks aim to simplify legal assistance by providing a direct pathway for low-income individuals to access applications for service. Cass County is pleased to now have a kiosk available for our citizens. With functionalities tailored to aid people in understanding their rights, navigating legal procedures, accessing necessary forms and documents, and applying for free legal assistance, these kiosks invite a new era of inclusivity in legal support. The LSLA kiosk is conveniently located in the main hall of the Law Enforcement and Justice Center at 604 TX Hwy 8 North in Linden. Cass County strives to be the example rural Texas County for innovation, transparency, and accessibility. In keeping with that vision, we are excited to partner with LSLA to provide this service to our citizens to ensure that everyone has access to legal services.

Providing access to affordable legal help is vital to ensuring our system is fair, and by partnering with organizations like Lone Star Legal Aid we can continue to educate and help those who need it most in our county.

Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income and underserved populations by providing free legal education, advice, and representation. LSLA focuses its resources on maintaining, enhancing, and protecting income and economic stability; preserving housing; improving outcomes for children; establishing and sustaining family safety, stability, health, and wellbeing; and assisting populations with special vulnerabilities, like those with disabilities, the aging, survivors of crime and disasters. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit their website at www.lonestarlegal. org.

Legalese Explained:“Ex Parte” Communication If you happen to run into me or any of the other judges in public, you may be tempted to ask about an upcoming hearing or case you may be involved with. Please don’t take offense when we can’t discuss it with you. We are bound by certain requirements as judges and must not participate in ex parte communication. Ex parte; (pronounced “ex par-tay”) communication refers to any communication between a judge and one party involved in a legal matter without the other party being present or notified. This type of communication is generally prohibited in the judicial system to ensure fairness, impartiality, and transparency in legal proceedings. Judges cannot engage in ex parte communication for several good reasons. First among them is to ensure fairness and impartiality. Judges must remain neutral arbiters in legal disputes. Ex parte communication can undermine this neutrality by giving one party an unfair advantage. If a judge receives information or arguments from one party without the other party’s knowledge, it can influence the judge’s decisions in a biased manner. This compromises the fairness of the trial and the integrity of the judicial process. Judges must maintain transparency. The judicial process relies on transparency to uphold public trust. All parties involved in a case must have equal access to the information and arguments presented. Ex parte communication can introduce hidden biases and undisclosed information, eroding the transparency of the legal proceedings. Public confidence in the judiciary depends on the perception and reality that justice is administered openly and fairly. We must preserve the right to a fair hearing. Every party in a legal dispute has the right to a fair hearing, where they can present their case and respond to the opposing party’s arguments. Ex parte communication violates this principle by depriving the absent party of the opportunity to be heard and to challenge the information or arguments being presented. This can lead to unjust rulings and the perception of partiality.

There are a few exceptions where ex parte communication may be permissible. These include emergency situations. In certain urgent circumstances, such as when immediate action is required to prevent harm or preserve evidence, ex parte communication may be allowed. Administrative or procedural matters can also be an exception. Judges may communicate ex parte regarding scheduling or other administrative matters that do not affect the substantive rights of the parties involved. Agreed communications are another potential exception. If all parties agree to the ex parte communication it may be permissible. Prohibiting ex parte communication is essential to ensure the integrity, fairness, and transparency of the judicial process. By adhering to these principles, the judicial system can maintain public trust and uphold the fundamental rights of all parties involved. So the next time you see a judge at church, the grocery store, or at a social event, keep the conversation away from any pending hearings or legal matters you may have so as not to violate this tenet of our judicial system.

Is a County Judge a “real” Judge?

Yes. A constitutional County Judge is a very unique position. It is the only elected position in the nation that has responsibilities of all three branches of government. My Judicial Branch responsibilities include presiding over probate court, guardianships, mental health commitments, and misdemeanor criminal court proceedings. In the Legislative Branch, I am a voting member of the Commissioners Court with budgetary, contractual, and policy-setting authorities that are vested within Commissioners Court. The Executive Branch comes with the responsibilities of being the chief elected administrative official of the county. It is an interesting position with many new and unique challenges each day. Cass County has a rich heritage and a bright future!

Upcoming Events

The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Mary Dougherty Senior Citizens Center, 507 S. Kaufman St., Linden. Meetings are open to the public and start with a potluck before ending with a native plants/flowers raffle.

August 3rd Health Fair at the Cass County Justice Center on Highway 8 in Linden, Texas from 9am to 3pm.

August 17th Hickory Hill will be performing at Music City Texas Theater!

October 5th Fall Maker’s Market and the Steven Smith Memorial Cruise Night in Downtown Atlanta, Texas from 9am