Vernon's Texas Rules Annotated - VTRA TX R STAND ATTY CERT PT I § XXIV. Judicial Administration

A. Definition.  Judicial administration is the proper administration of justice in cases and controversies before Texas courts.  The courts covered by these standards are Texas appellate courts, district courts, the business court, statutory county courts, statutory probate courts, county courts performing judicial functions, and municipal courts of record.  The proper administration of justice includes:

• upholding the rule of law, including by following the Texas constitution, statutes, rules of procedure, rules of evidence, the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, and other applicable ethical rules;

• protecting the fair administration of justice and assuring fair hearings;

• managing cases and workflow with consistency and predictability to ensure the court's work is performed efficiently and to promote the fair and timely resolution of all cases, including setting hearings and trials expeditiously;

• giving preference to hearings and trials as provided by law;

• ruling timely;

• setting trials with reasonable notice and within a reasonable time;

• taking reasonable steps to reduce the litigants' costs;

• being mindful of the time commitment of jury service on jurors;

• considering court processes to ensure that all litigants--whether self-represented or represented by counsel--have meaningful access to the court;

• responsively coordinating with other governmental entities;

• effectively measuring and managing court performance using available statistical data;

• using technology to expand access to courts;

• promoting judicial education, training, development, and leadership;

• overseeing the budget and fiscal management of the court;

• managing and supporting court staff;

• enhancing public trust and confidence by maintaining a culture that fosters integrity, transparency, and accountability for all court processes and proceedings;

• promoting and protecting the independence of the judiciary;  and

• adhering to and promoting established purposes and responsibilities of the judiciary.

B. Substantial Involvement.  To demonstrate substantial involvement and special competence in judicial administration, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

C. Reference Requirements.  TBLS must select a minimum of five names and addresses of individuals to be contacted as references to attest to the applicant's competence in judicial administration.