It is still early, but how widespread is the adoption of the State Bar's Texas Criminal Pattern Jury Charges series? (which is not yet complete)

Early returns in my office are negative. But old habits die hard.

As a member of the committee--along with a number of other prosecutors, trial judges, appellate judges, defense attorneys, and law professors--I can relay your thoughts, observations, criticisms, and even praises.

Inevitably, by creating pattern charges, conventions are challenged. Nevertheless, uniformity should not sacrifice clarity or accuracy.

The scale of the project has required multiple volumes and their creation is still in progress. A third volume will be released soon for charges on crimes against persons. Meantime, with the legislature in session, the earlier volumes will require updating.

All this is to say, if you want to have input, now is a great time to do so.

If anyone wishes to share their comments less conspiciously, please email me: stride@tdcaa.com.

MW, I didn't meant to hijack your post. You timely raised a topic that could use some development. Thanks.

[This message was edited by John A. Stride on 02-22-11 at .]