Oral Argument Re-Do: Texas Justices Focus on German Automakers’ Conduct in Emissions Scandal Suit

For the second time, the Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday in a case that asks it to decide whether Texas courts have personal jurisdiction over German auto manufacturers Audi and Volkswagen, which would allow the state’s environmental lawsuit against them to proceed.

Chief Justice Bonnie Sudderth of the Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth and Justice Jaime E. Tijerina of the Thirteenth Court of Appeals in Corpus Christi were appointed by the governor to hear the case — over the German companies’ objections — after Justice Jimmy Blacklock and Justice Evan Young recused themselves. Both Sudderth and Tijerina are Republicans who were initially appointed to the bench by the governor and have since won reelection.