Texas Bench Book

The Texas Bench Book is a practical aid and quick reference for trial court judges in performing their judicial responsibilities. It contains a compilation of information by the Texas Center for the Judiciary's Bench Book Committee and Texas Tech School of Law. Texas trial court judges will find several resource formats, including checklists, sample scripts for hearings and trials, and guidelines. Note that the Texas Bench Book is not designed to dictate judicial procedures, but is meant to assist a trial court judge while on the bench. Look for updates to the Bench Book in Fall 2008.

Capital Cases Bench Book

The Capital Cases Bench Book is written by Texas judges for the benefit of Texas judges presiding over a capital trial. Judicial authors, Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, Texas Wesleyan Law Review editors, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals staff counsel, and the Texas Center for the Judiciary staff  collaborated to write, proof, make suggestions, and edit the Capital Cases Bench Book.  It is reviewed and updated on-line under the supervision of the Texas Center for the Judiciary and through the collaborative efforts of Texas judges and the Texas Wesleyan Law Review editorial staff.   Note that the Capital Cases Bench Book is not designed to dictate judicial procedures, but is meant to assist capital case trial court judges. Judges presiding over capital cases should always double check the suggested substantive and procedural law for any changes in the law or unique differences in the specific case over which they are presiding.

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