Textbooks

Featuring both historic and contemporary issues, The Municipal Judges Book critically analyzes the nature of municipal courts and the judge’s role in the Texas criminal justice system. An ideal textbook for new judges and others interested in procedural and substantive laws impacting Texas municipal courts, the content includes (1) an introduction to municipal courts and the Texas judicial system, (2) judgments, indigence, and enforcement, (3) rights of the accused and victims, (4) contempt, (5) the adjudication of juveniles in municipal court, (6) judicial ethics, and (7) legal research. Updated in June 2010. Order copies directly from TMCEC: $25.00 each.

Procedure Manuals & Forms

The TMCEC Bench Book is a reference guide for Texas municipal judges serving in their capacity as trial court judges and magistrates. The publication consists of 17 chapters containing over 100 checklists aimed to assist municipal judges and magistrates in every part of their decision-making process. It is designed for quick reference and contains scripts and easy-to-follow procedural guidelines as well as references to applicable statutes, Attorney General Opinions, and case law. 

The 2009 Bench Book (Eighth Edition) includes changed from the 81st Regular Legislature (2009). 

Order copies directly from TMCEC: $25.00 each. Or download this publication by clicking here.

The TMCEC Forms Book provides over 200 ready-to-use forms, notices, letters, warnings, and ordinances specific for use by municipal judges, court clerks, and municipal prosecutors. These forms may be modified to suit the individual needs of each court. 

The 2009 Forms Book (Ninth Edition) includes updates and changes from the 81st Regular Legislature, as well as many new forms, including a sample Nondisclosure Order. An appendix contains over 60 Spanish-translated forms.

The TMCEC Forms Book was designed as a companion to the TMCEC Bench Book. Order copies directly from TMCEC: $25.00 each. Or download this publication by clicking here.

Quick Reference 

                           

The Quick Trial Reference and Rules of Evidence handbooks were created to condense critical information for conducting a bench or jury trial.  Updated in September 2009.  Order copies directly from TMCEC: $10.00 each.

The Texas Class C and Fine-only Misdemeanors handbook (the "Green Book") represents a comprehensive effort to compile all Class C, fine-only criminal offenses under State law. Covering 25 codes and containing roughly 1,400 offenses, it includes statutory cites for both the offense and penalty provision(s), the fine or fine range for each offense, DPS reporting codes for those offenses that have assigned codes, and notes those offenses that are enhanceable or for which circumstances would heighten the punishment category. A new appendix contains the list of moving violations promulgated by DPS in the Texas Administrative Code.

Updates were completed in August 2010, and include changes from the 81st Regular Legislature. The 2010 edition contains many new offenses and significant changes from earlier versions.  Order copies directly from TMCEC: $10.00 each.

The Court Interpreters' Municipal Court Legal Glossary is a combination of the Spanish glossary and definitions provided by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for those studying to be licensed court interpreters. Order copies directly from TMCEC: $10.00 each.

The Texas Municipal Courts Financial Management Handbook, published by the Texas Court Clerks Association, was written to help court clerks handle the management of municipal court monies, budgeting, audits, and partial payments by defendants.  It is available at TMCEC conferences or through the Texas Court Clerks Association: $35.00 each.