Does Fifth Circuit federal jurisdiction extend to other galaxies? The “God of the Earth Realm” says it does and alleges that U.S. and Louisiana officials are illegally holding the “Atakapa Indian de Creole Nation” in an eternal state of “pupilage.” This is an actual case.
Remembering Former Houston Chief Justice and ADR Pioneer Frank Evans
Frank Garrettson Evans, III, retired chief justice of the First Court of Appeals in Houston, Texas died Saturday at his home in Bastrop, Texas. He was 91. Often called the “father of alternative dispute resolution,” Chief Justice Evans is indelibly recorded in history as a pioneer and implementer in the field.
Houston Jury Awards Ex-Fort Bend County Worker $350K in Religion Suit
Fort Bend County did not reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious observation when she attended church on a Sunday instead of going to work, a Houston federal jury ruled on Friday.
Tony Mauro Award goes to Haynes and Boone’s Laura Prather
A new award named after legendary U.S. Supreme Court reporter Tony Mauro recognizing lawyers who zealously advocate for freedom of the press and a more open government goes to an Austin litigation partner who represents numerous news media outlets.
Chron: Appeals Court Justice with Alzheimer’s Resigns
Justice Laura Carter Higley has submitted her resignation to Gov. Greg Abbott, the clerk for the First Court of Appeals confirmed Tuesday. Higley has served on the Houston appellate court since 2002. Her resignation comes days after reports that she was sitting on the bench while diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Dearth of Legal Aid for Low-Income Texans ‘Really Dire’
Texas Chief Justice Nathan Hecht says the number of Texans needing legal assistance but who cannot afford an attorney is increasing so fast that the state’s legal profession is not equipped to handle the demand for basic legal services for military veterans, abused spouses and children and other low-income residents. Even so, new Texas Lawbook data shows that most corporate law firms in Texas are not doing their share of pro bono work, even as those same firms achieve record profits. The solution may rest with in-house corporate legal departments and general counsel. The Texas Lawbook has an in-depth report.
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.
TX Skadden Lawyers Score a Big Apple Appellate Win for Baker Hughes
For the first time, a New York appeals court has rejected a contention that the simple act of state registration obliges Texas-based Baker Hughes, or any other out-of-state company, to accept general jurisdiction.