Family District Court (Juv) Judge, District 257
District courts are trial courts of general jurisdiction of Texas. They have original jurisdiction in felony criminal cases, divorce cases, cases involving title to land, election contest cases, civil matters in which the amount of money or damages involved is $200 or more, and any matters in which jurisdiction is not placed in another trial court. The courts may specialize in civil, criminal, juvenile, or family law matters. Four-year term.
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Sandra Pike
(Dem)
Qualifications:
What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Issues:
What are the two (2) most pressing issues that you will face in the office that you seek? Describe your "specific" plans/ideas for addressing these issues.
district
257th
Education
University of Houston College of Law, 12/3/1982; University of Houston, B.A. Political Science 8/1977
Occupation
State District Court Judge
I have served in this position for the past 7 years. During that period, we added Zoom dockets to augment in person dockets. As a member of the Family Board, we have endeavored to bring more consistency to procedures and have updated the local rules governing the Family District Courts. In addition, I introduced the Express Docket to the 257th for uncontested matters. This docket is heard by zoom or in person, between 8:15 and 8:50 a.m., Monday through Friday. We found this provides greater access for working families and the family bar. It allows us to review cases while the litigant and/or counsel are present to address any deficiencies for self represented citizens and more appearance options for counsel.
First most pressing issue is addressing needs of self represented litigants. We are challenged with helping them navigate their cases through the system without giving them legal advice. While some need little help, others need a lot of time. We make detailed docket entries when cases are reviewed for trial or dismissal. An electronic notice is sent that an entry has been made outlining any deficiencies. We're able to refer them to the HC Domestic Relations office for further assistance. The second pressing issue is docket management. There are literally hundreds of orders that have to be reviewed and signed each week. We have also had to limit the amount of time that is allotted for each case, particularly temporary orders.
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