A shotgun, a getaway car and a double homicide—how could a case with these facts affect general counsels and business lawyers across Texas? Two weeks ago, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a little noticed decision that could impact scores of SEC and Department of Justice prosecutions. Every GC needs to be aware.
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Chief Justice Jefferson: Texas Supreme Court Libel Decision “Collides Violently with the First Amendment”
A splintered Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday that an Austin television station and its reporter should be forced to stand trial against libel allegations even if the media reports in question were substantially true – and possibly literally true. Chief Justice Jefferson, writing a blistering dissent, states that the court’s decision “abridges the freedom to report on a matter of public concern.”
“It collides violently with the First Amendment,” he wrote.
Chief Justice Jefferson: Texas Supreme Court Libel Decision ‘Collides Violently with the First Amendment’
A splintered Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday that an Austin television station and its reporter should be forced to stand trial against libel allegations even if the media reports in question were substantially true – and possibly literally true. Chief Justice Jefferson, writing a blistering dissent, states that the court’s decision “abridges the freedom to report on a matter of public concern.”
“It collides violently with the First Amendment,” he wrote.
Norton Rose Fulbright Prevails in 12-Year Death Penalty Case
The firm was able to remove an intellectually challenged man off of death row in exchange for life in prison, thus ending 12 years of litigation.
Texas Access to Justice Commission June 2013 Appointees
The Supreme Court of Texas and the State Bar of Texas have appointed five new commissioners to the Texas Access to Justice Commission including Jacqueline Pontello, Wayne Watts, Harriet Miers,
Texas Lawyers Open Doors for Asylum Seekers
Scores of Texas law firms are helping asylum applicants who can’t afford legal counsel to assist in their case.
Expert: Texas Lawyers Doing Global Business Should Mind Their Manners
Law firms, corporations and other entities are increasingly hiring Sharon Schweitzer for her etiquette expertise.
Gibson Dunn Advises Lone Star Funds in $700 Million Acquisition
The Dallas-based private equity firm is purchasing North American Gypsum for $700 million in a deal that took only a couple weeks to negotiate and sign.
Weil Cutbacks Affect Houston Office
Weil’s Houston office will deemphasize its complex commercial litigation practice, making Dallas the main hub in Texas for CCL.
Wish List from Chambers: Easy Ways to Improve Written and Oral Advocacy
Verbal persuasion—whether through written briefs or oral argument—is a trial lawyer’s stock-in-trade. A persuasive brief is typo-free, plainly written, and respectful (but not sterile). Likewise, lawyers can improve their persuasiveness at oral argument by being judicious in their use of PowerPoint presentations, listening and responding to the court’s questions, and eschewing the knee-jerk preference for more senior advocates.