A new multimedia project from the Texas Young Lawyers Association aims to help students, jurors, members of the media and the general public better understand the Texas court system. TYLA’s “How Texas Courts Work” offers short videos, resource guides and other information to help Texans navigate the courts, and understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.

“The judiciary is likely the least understood branch of government and we hope to change that with ‘How Texas Courts Work,’” TYLA President Michael J. Ritter said. “This project continues TYLA’s strong tradition of producing helpful content for the public that aids the courts in improving the administration of justice and that fosters the role of the legal profession in serving the public.”

Highlights of “How Texas Courts Work” include:

• A primer on the types of Texas courts and their functions.
• Videos on what to expect in some of the most common types of cases, including divorce, traffic tickets, DWI and car accidents.
• A guide on why and how to hire a lawyer.
• Tips for journalists covering legal proceedings.
• An educational program for middle and high school students.

“How Texas Courts Work” is made possible by a $45,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation. Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $24 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation’s largest charitably funded bar foundation.