CHAPTER 155. SETTLEMENT WEEKS
CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE
TITLE 7. ALTERNATE METHODS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION
CHAPTER 155. SETTLEMENT WEEKS
Sec. 155.001. SETTLEMENT WEEKS REQUIRED. In every county with a
population of 150,000 or greater there shall be a settlement week
during law week and judicial conference week each year or during
any other two weeks as the administrative judge of each judicial
district may designate. During these weeks the district courts,
constitutional and statutory county courts, and the family law
courts will facilitate the voluntary settlement of civil and
family law cases.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1211, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,
1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
87, Sec. 5.005, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 155.002. SETTLEMENT WEEK COMMITTEE. The administrative
judge of each judicial district shall appoint a committee of
attorneys and lay persons to effectuate each settlement week.
The committee may include the director of any established
mediation or alternative dispute resolution center in the county
and the chairperson of the local bar association's committee on
alternative dispute resolution.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1211, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,
1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
87, Sec. 5.006, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 155.003. ATTORNEY TO SERVE AS MEDIATOR. Any attorney
currently licensed in the state may serve as mediator during the
settlement weeks under such terms and conditions and with such
training as may be determined by the administrative judge of the
judicial district. Any such attorney so appointed by the court
must meet the qualifications and will be governed by the rules of
conduct set forth in Sections 154.052 and 154.053. Any attorney
so requested by the administrative judge of the judicial district
shall serve as a mediator during the settlement weeks.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1211, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,
1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
87, Sec. 5.007, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 155.004. APPLICATION OF CERTAIN ALTERNATE DISPUTE
RESOLUTION PROCEDURES. The provisions of Sections 154.021
through 154.023, 154.053, 154.054, and 154.071 through 154.073
shall apply to parties and mediators participating in settlement
weeks held under this chapter.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1211, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,
1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
87, Sec. 5.008, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 155.005. AUTHORITY OF COURT. Each court participating in
settlement weeks under this chapter shall have the authority to
make orders needed, consistent with existing law, to implement
settlement weeks and ensure any party's good faith participation.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1211, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,
1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
87, Sec. 5.009, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 155.006. FUNDING; COOPERATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.
The administrative judge may use any available funding from funds
regularly used for court administration to carry out the purpose
and intent of this chapter. The administrative judge shall
cooperate with the director of any established mediation or
alternative dispute resolution center, the local bar, and other
organizations to encourage participation and to develop public
awareness of settlement weeks.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1211, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,
1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
87, Sec. 5.010, eff. September 1, 2009.