Texas Municipal Court Clerk Practice Exam 2025 - Free Municipal Court Clerk Practice Questions and Study Guide

A letter from a defendant to the judge containing their side of the case is not considered ex parte communication because ex parte refers to any communication made to a judge by one party without the presence or knowledge of other parties involved in a case. In the context of judicial proceedings, ex parte communications are typically discouraged as they can lead to unfair advantages and influence judicial decision-making without transparent dialogue among all parties.

When a defendant sends a letter to the judge, it does not automatically fall under the definition of ex parte unless it is done in a manner that excludes the other parties from participation or knowledge of that communication. If the communication is submitted through proper channels, ensuring that all parties are aware and have the opportunity to respond, it aligns with the principles of fairness and transparency that courts uphold. Therefore, the determination of whether something is ex parte hinges on the context and the process by which the communication is made.