Sharon Keller

Appeals court throws out Texas flag desecration law, saying it violates free speech

2015-10-07T15:56:31-05:00

By Chuck Lindell Austin American-Statesman Originally published Oct. 7, 2015 A Texas law banning desecration of the flag is unconstitutional, the state’s highest criminal court ruled Wednesday. In a 6-3 ruling, the Court of Criminal Appeals tossed out the law, saying it was too broadly written and criminalized an act that is protected by the First Amendment’s right to free speech. Apparently rarely used, the 26-year-old law threatens one year in jail and a $4,000 fine for those who intentionally damage, deface, mutilate or burn the U.S. or Texas flags. Similar laws have been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court [...]

Appeals court throws out Texas flag desecration law, saying it violates free speech2015-10-07T15:56:31-05:00

E-filing court system goes statewide; public access still to be addressed

2015-09-30T14:43:22-05:00

By Chuck Lindell Austin American-Statesman Originally published Sept. 30, 2015 Saving an estimated 30 million pieces of paper a year, every major civil court in Texas has begun requiring lawyers and litigants to file documents electronically, providing 24-hour access to the courthouse for anybody with a computer and an Internet connection. The electronic filing system is now available in all 254 Texas counties, and the milestone — reached nine months ahead of schedule — will be celebrated Wednesday at the Texas Supreme Court, which mandated the change in 2012. “It’s been a major, detailed project. You don’t just wave a wand [...]

E-filing court system goes statewide; public access still to be addressed2015-09-30T14:43:22-05:00
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