Rule 2.813. Contents of training programs

(a) Bench conduct Before the court may appoint an attorney to serve as a temporary judge in any type of case, the attorney must have received training under rule 2.812(c)(1) in the following subjects:

(1) Bench conduct, demeanor, and decorum;

(2) Access, fairness, and elimination of bias; and

(3) Adjudicating cases involving self-represented parties.

(b) Ethics Before the court may appoint an attorney to serve as a temporary judge in any type of case, the attorney must have received ethics training under rule 2.812(c)(2) in the following subjects:

(1) Judicial ethics generally;

(2) Conflicts;

(3) Disclosures, disqualifications, and limitations on appearances; and

(4) Ex parte communications.

(c) Small claims Before the court may appoint an attorney to serve as a temporary judge in small claims cases, the attorney must have received training under rule 2.812(c)(3)(A) in the following subjects:

(1) Small claims procedures and practices;

(2) Consumer sales;

(3) Vehicular sales, leasing, and repairs;

(4) Credit and financing transactions;

(5) Professional and occupational licensing;

(6) Tenant rent deposit law;

(7) Contract, warranty, tort, and negotiable instruments law;

(8) The subjects specified in Code of Civil Procedure section 116.240(b); and

(9) Other subjects deemed appropriate by the presiding judge based on local needs and conditions. In addition, an attorney serving as a temporary judge in small claims cases must be familiar with the publications identified in Code of Civil Procedure section 116.930.

(d) Traffic Before the court may appoint an attorney to serve as a temporary judge in traffic cases, the attorney must have received training under rule 2.812(c)(3)(B) in the following subjects:

(1) Traffic court procedures and practices;

(2) Correctable violations;

(3) Discovery;

(4) Driver licensing;

(5) Failure to appear;

(6) Mandatory insurance;

(7) Notice to appear citation forms;

(8) Red-light enforcement;

(9) Sentencing and court-ordered traffic school;

(10) Speed enforcement;

(11) Settlement of the record;

(12) Uniform bail and penalty schedules;

(13) Vehicle registration and licensing; and

(14) Other subjects deemed appropriate by the presiding judge based on local needs and conditions.

Committee Notes

(Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(Subd (c) amended effective January 1, 2023; previously amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(Subd (d) amended effective January 1, 2007.)