In what has become a monthly ritual, the state’s highest court issued its 18th emergency order related to the COVID-19 pandemic that essentially extends its previous emergency order from May 26 for another month, except in a few specific circumstances. The ban on civil and criminal jury trials, as well as civil case filing deadlines, have been extended into September.
Judicial Profile: Judge Mark T. Pittman, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman has served on three different courts in six years. His cases and issues run the gamut. Central to his judicial philosophy is to acknowledge what he doesn’t know. In a wide-ranging interview with Haynes and Boone appellate lawyer Chris Knight, Judge Pittman told his story and shared his judicial preferences.
Texas Appellate Firm Adds U.S. Supreme Court Practice
Daniel Geyser, a former assistant solicitor general for the State of Texas, has become one of the most active Texas lawyers before the nation’s high court.
Supreme Court Rules for Pipeline Project Under the Appalachian Trail
In a 7-2 decision by Justice Clarence Thomas, the court ruled that the U.S. Forest Service had the authority to issue a permit for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The decision overturns a ruling by the U.S. Fourth Circuit. Tony Mauro reports from Washington.
Workers’ Comp Exemption Requires Intent to Kill ‘Particular Individual’ SCOTX Rules in ‘Tired Trucker’ Case
A calculated disregard for safety by Mo-Vac Service Company may have contributed to the death of one of its drivers, but that isn’t enough to allow an exception to the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, the court ruled. The likelihood of death has to be “substantially certain” to a “particular individual” for a wrongful death claim to be excepted from the exclusive authority of TWC. Janet Elliott explains.