PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ
February 16, 2016 - What does a band wagon have to do with the qualifications of a District Judge, Well, NOTHING. It is what it is: a band wagon; an expensive promotion, with lots of flair, fanfare, self aggrandizement, and statements of just being overwhelmed with all the public support, coupled with broad overstatements designed to promote the public to think that there is some substance to it. Also, a lot of money is spent on signs to decorate the countryside. The idea is to create controversy when there is none. It is akin to a side show at a county fair. The barker convinces you pay your money, but you leave dissatisfied with the sure knowledge that your money was not well spent. Your vote may not be well placed either.
The 123rd District Court sits in Shelby and Panola Counties and presides over civil cases, criminal felony cases and juvenile matters. The judge of the court is subject to the laws of non quantum physics (one object cannot occupy two places at the same time). The Court divides its time between Panola and Shelby counties into three two month terms for each county. That is 26 weeks per year per county. When the need arises ,cases may be specially set out of the ordinary schedule of the court. Many complex civil or criminal jury trials utilize more than a full week of trial time and may settle before trial or after several days (or weeks) of trial. As a practicality there is time for 26 combined total of civil and criminal jury trials per year in each county. There is one court co-ordinator for each county, each is responsible for two courts, The 123rd and the County Court at Law in Panola, and the 273rd and the 123rd in Shelby. They do their best to schedule hearings and trials in an efficient manner. The court as a matter of practice uses scheduling orders, show cause orders, status conferences, mediation, and hears motions for summary judgements, all in an effort to keep the docket moving.
The trial is an adversarial process, and cases are tried when they are ready to be tried., consistent with the ends of justice.
In Texas the judge of the court is elected by popular vote, but the duties of the judge are not political, but rather the judge is charged with the duty to assure a fair and impartial forum for parties to litigate their differences and an impartial application of the law. As you would suspect, all parties are not completely pleased at the conclusion. Affairs of the Court are conducted with all efficiency possible consistent with the ends of justice. Every case is different and often tedious; one size does not fit all and cookie cutters are best left at the bakery. The District Court is not a venue for just the aristocratic or privileged few.
You have given me the honor of serving as your district judge for the past three years. I have 39 years legal and diverse trial experience. I will have four years experience as your District Judge at the end of this term. The business of the Court, as well as the size of the district, prevents me, from meeting each voter in person to solicit your vote. Your vote is appreciated.
I request your vote and re election as District Judge
of the 123rd District Court.
RE ELECT CHARLES “BRICK” DICKERSON
DISTRICT JUDGE-123rd District
