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A simple door knock turned into one of our most energizing conversations as Judge Steve Duble stepped inside and unpacked how a local court can make justice easier to reach. We go beyond slogans and get into the nuts and bolts: eviction diversion that starts before anyone steps into a courtroom, hybrid hearings that reduce missed appearances, and clear ability-to-pay policies that stop flat fines from crushing low-wage workers.

Steve walks us through the grants he’s secured—bringing dedicated eviction-diversion staff, funding a public resource center with computers and printers, and installing a legal service kiosk that connects people to a live lawyer, not a bot. We explore debt lawsuits too, where resold credit and payday claims now dominate civil dockets. His court hosts a pilot with South Texas College of Law to provide on-the-spot representation, plus a partnership with Houston Volunteer Lawyers that helps tenants and property managers craft practical, fair agreements. It’s real, measurable access to justice: fewer defaults, more solutions, and outcomes that fit the facts.

We also dig into inclusion and transparency. From forms available in English and Spanish, to interpreter planning and Vietnamese language toggles, the court meets people where they are. Steve’s team collaborates with national groups like the National Center for State Courts and Pew to test, measure, and publish what works, pushing for open data dashboards the public can trust. He shares ballot timing, precinct coverage, and why JP races—often near the bottom of your ballot—shape daily life more than you think. As the first openly gay JP in Harris County, Steve values representation, but he makes his case with results: accessible courts, fair fines, and practical help that protects jobs and homes.

If you care about eviction prevention, debt defense, court innovation, and equal access, this conversation is a blueprint you can use and share. Listen now, then subscribe, leave a review, and tell a friend who needs help navigating the courts. Your vote and your voice can turn these ideas into everyday justice.

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