The U.S. Supreme Court is in a period of unprecedented change. On Tuesday, The Texas Lawbook enlisted a panel of SCOTUS experts, including Gibson Dunn partner Allyson Ho, Dykema appellate law partner Chris Kratovil and legendary Supreme Court journalist Tony Mauro to discuss trends and developments at the High Court and what it means for Texas businesses.
Fifth Circuit Refuses to Extend Protections to Transgender and Sexual Orientation under Title VII
Three federal circuit courts of appeals have ruled during the past two years that Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and transgender status. The Fifth Circuit rejected the opportunity to join that trend Wednesday in a series of biting opinions.
SCOTX Erects New Hurdle for Litigating Anonymous Defamation
When responding to anonymous online defamation, the first challenge a business faces is finding out the identity of the writer. The Texas Supreme Court recently added another potential snag to that process, holding that a Rule 202 petition does not toll a claim’s statute of limitations. Nicole Williams and Mackenzie Wallace of Thompson & Knight provide an analysis.
Former Houston Appellate Judges Announce Their Next Moves
Two Houston judges who lost in the 2018 midterm elections announced Tuesday that they have landed at new firms. Natalie Posgate has the specifics.
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.
WATCH THIS SPACE! Coming Soon: Texas Supreme Court pronouncements on significant issues of contract interpretation and enforcement
Early in December the Texas Supreme Court heard oral argument in three cases in which the Court likely will render important guidance as to key issues for contract interpretation and the interplay between contract and fraud claims. Ray Guy of Weil, Gotshal & Manges reviews the background of those cases and the key questions they present.
SCOTX Reinstates Harris County Med-Mal Verdict
In rare support of a medical malpractice plaintiff’s jury verdict, the Texas Supreme Court on Friday reversed an appellate court’s decision to reject a $4.2 million award by a Houston jury for the negligent death of a 46-year-old father of three. The Texas Lawbook has the details.
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.
SCOTX Mulls Role of Reasonableness in ‘Farm Out’ Agreements
After spending $22 million on some dry holes in North Texas, Barrow-Shaver Resources Co. jumped at a $27.7 million offer for its development rights. But one of 32 parties blew up the deal by asking $5 million for its approval. Now the Texas Supreme Court is being asked to resolve a question of industry use vs. oil and gas tradition. Janet Elliott explains.
Fifth Circuit Hands Receiver Latest Win in Stanford Ponzi Saga
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has reversed a trial court ruling that determined one of infamous Ponzi schemer Allen Stanford’s largest investors received a $79 million fraudulent transfer in good faith.
