No Democrat has won a seat on the industry-friendly Railroad Commission since 1990.
Democrats Hold Grip on Dallas, Harris County District Courts
With results still trickling in, Democrats seemed certain to maintain their lock on the civil District Court benches in the state’s two most populous counties.
The Lowdown on Straight-Ticket Voting in Texas
Straight-ticket voting is no more in Texas, but what are the implications? This article explains the history of the voting method and both parties’ attitudes toward it.
SCOTX Election Overview: Incumbency Has its Privileges
The four races in the Supreme Court of Texas bring notable aspects from both groups of candidates. The incumbents have the advantage of much more campaign finance support from the legal community. The incumbents’ opponents – all women – comprise the most diverse slate of challenger candidates the court has seen.
Fifth District COA Candidates Make Their Case in Refreshingly Civil Virtual Forum
The Democratic and Republican candidates for three seats on the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Dallas did something Thursday evening that, in 2020, could strike many voters as odd. They engaged in a cordial, thoughtful, informative discussion of their qualifications to the bench, their legal experience and their judicial philosophies. Bruce Tomaso details what was said at the forum, which was moderated by The Texas Lawbook.
Dallas COA Races Test the Strength of Incumbent Republicans
The power of incumbency, normally a potent advantage at the ballot box, may prove to be of diminished relevance in this year’s three races for seats on the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas. This article explains the dynamics and background of the three races in Dallas’ Fifth Court of Appeals.
Pharma Marketer Indicted in $60M Kickback Scheme
Vinson Woodlee, 68 was charged in the Northern District of Texas with four counts under the federal anti-kickback statute. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to 35 years inprison.
Doctor Sentenced to 66 Months in Forest Park Med Center Fraud
Richard Toussaint, a co-founder of Forest Park Medical Center, is already serving time in federal prison for a different fraud. Bruce Tomaso reports.
[Updated] SCOTX Justice Paul Green Retires: ‘It Just Seemed Like the Right Time’
Justice Paul Green, the second-longest sitting justice on the Supreme Court of Texas, announced Tuesday that he is retiring at the end of August. A third-generation lawyer, Justice Green has been a reliably conservative vote on a state supreme court loaded with conservatives. Justice Green was re-elected in 2016 and his term officially ends in December 2022. Gov. Greg Abbott will appoint his successor.
Judge Denies Forest Park Defendants Requests for New Trial
U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary ruled Monday that requests by Forest Park Medical Center doctors and officials for a new trial are “meritless.” The seven defendants were convicted last year of taking part in a massive insurance fraud scheme. The judge also criticized trial tactics employed by one of the prominent lawyers during the trial as “dirty and nasty” and a “cheap stunt.” The Texas Lawbook has complete details.