Some were surprised by Gov. Greg Abbott’s selection of Jimmy Blacklock as Texas Supreme Court Chief justice, but his eyes were always on big questions about the role of the constitution and development of the law. His leadership is likely to continue the court’s conservative rulings.
SCOTX Will Review Winter Storm Uri Claims Against Transmission and Distribution Giants
Four years after devastating power outages resulted in death and destruction, justices will hear arguments in February on the utility companies’ mandamus effort to end claims by more than 15,000 plaintiffs. The utilities say they had no duty under the exigent circumstances to supply power to any particular customers for any particular duration.
Divided Fifth Circuit Strikes Down SEC’s Approval of Nasdaq Diversity Rules
Judge Andrew S. Oldham and the majority focused their decision on a requirement in the Securities Exchange Act dictating that the SEC must first find that any proposed regulation “is related to the purposes of the Exchange Act” before approving it. Judge Stephen A. Higginson focused his dissent on the “limited reviewing role” Congress carved out for the SEC as it relates to its ability to approve rules proposed by “self-regulatory organizations” like Nasdaq.
Former Colleagues Surprise Hecht at Final Argument
Retiring Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht was greeted by 17 former judicial colleagues and many other well-wishers as he heard his final case. Some of those gathered now sit on federal benches, while others have thriving private practices. All expressed gratitude for his service. (Photo courtesy Supreme Court of Texas)
Specific Jurisdiction Contours Central in SCOTX Oral Arguments Over Plane Crash Litigation
The state’s high court heard oral arguments Wednesday morning in the lawsuit brought by Sheema Shaik against BRP-Rotax GmbH that asks it to determine whether Texas courts have specific jurisdiction over a foreign manufacturer based on an allegedly defective engine.