Having once rejected this case involving an out-of-state insulation company, the Texas Supreme Court heard arguments last week reconsidering the threshold of Texas products liability jurisdiction. Janet Elliott reports.
SCOTX Hears Case Against “Anti-Washout” Clauses
The argument before SCOTX is whether two parties can create an interest in real property that remains vested long after the agreement – or even the parties themselves – cease to be. Janet Elliott reports.
Meet the Reasoners: Texas Legal Royalty
Harry Reasoner grew up on a farm outside San Marcos, milking cows and raising pigs for 4-H competition. At 80, he has had a storied career, representing corporations in some of the biggest trials in history. Clients pay as much as $1,500 an hour for his counsel. Now Reasoner’s two children – Barrett and Macey and the extraordinary courtroom success they’ve had – are making sure that their father’s legacy will continue for many, many years. Meet the Reasoners.
SCOTX: Judge’s Testimony Against Lawyer Was Proper
A bankruptcy judge who brought an ethics complaint against McAllen lawyer Mark Cantu should not have been excluded from testifying in the resulting disciplinary trial, SCOTX has ruled in a per curiam decision. Janet Elliott explains why it was even a question.
Cryptocurrencies, Vulnerable Investors Are Hot Topics for Securities Regulators
AUSTIN – State securities regulation has always been something of a whack-a-mole endeavor, but today’s moles have gotten quite clever. As older Texans become more comfortable with smartphones and online interactions, scammers use websites like Craigslist and Facebook to troll for victims, Joseph Rotunda, director of enforcement for the Texas State Securities Board, told The Texas Lawbook in an exclusive interview.
Language Edges Custom in SCOTX Farmout Case
AUSTIN – SCOTX held to its preference for plain language over industry custom, rejecting a $27.7 million verdict in a closely-watched farmout dispute. But the narrow 5-4 decision generated two very vigorous dissents. Janet Elliott reports.
SCOTX Walks Back Hyder
Saying a lower court misconstrued its 2015 decision in Chesapeake Exploration v. Hyder, the Texas Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the deductibility of production costs from energy company royalties is a matter commanded by contractual language. Janet Elliott, who has followed the controversy, explains.
SCOTX Hears Arguments Over Oysters
AUSTIN – When a navigation district leased out underwater acreage to an oyster farming business, the State of Texas took exception. Now their argument over leasing authority and oyster regulation has reached the Texas Supreme Court. Janet Elliott explains.
SCOTX Rules Out Punitive Damages in Crane Plane Purchase Case
AUSTIN – It may have been “reprehensible” to sell as “new” a $19.85 million Bombardier Challenger 300 with a used and troubled engine, but when the contract limits liability then liability is limited, the Texas Supreme Court ruled last week. The decision snuffs a $5.39 million of an $8 million jury award, as Janet Elliott explains.
SCOTX: Insurers Must Pay For Anadarko’s Deepwater Defense
Anadarko has emerged the winner in a coverage clash with its surplus liability insurers as the Texas Supreme Court ruled last week that the underwriters are contractually obligated to pay Anadarko’s $112.5 million defense costs related to the Deepwater Horizon disaster. The Lawbook’s Janet Elliott has the details.
