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Full-Text Articles in Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Gradually Exploded: Confrontation Vs. The Former Testimony Rule., Tim Donaldson Jan 2015

Gradually Exploded: Confrontation Vs. The Former Testimony Rule., Tim Donaldson

St. Mary's Law Journal

Observing live court testimony allows a jury to determine witness credibility. This is called demeanor evidence. Allowing the introduction of transcripts of prior testimony by a witness offends a defendant's right to confrontation guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Loss of demeanor evidence can heighten sensitivity surrounding the constitutional demands of unavailability and an opportunity for cross-examination. But the loss of this evidence is discounted when dealing with the admissibility of prior testimony as long as a defendant was formerly afforded an opportunity to cross-examine. Demeanor evidence, however, is still treated as a non-essential component of …


The Economic Loss Doctrine As An Obstacle To Claims Of Contractual Strangers., Richard L. Reed, Richard L. Reed Jr. Jan 2015

The Economic Loss Doctrine As An Obstacle To Claims Of Contractual Strangers., Richard L. Reed, Richard L. Reed Jr.

St. Mary's Law Journal

Home owners, contractors, and subcontractors entering a contract to build in accordance with another’s design must be aware of their respective risks under the economic loss doctrine. The economic loss doctrine bars recovery due purely to economic loss by a party that is a contractual stranger. In a typical construction contract, a homeowner may separately contract with a contractor and a design professional. In this situation, the contractor does not have privity with the design professional and the economic loss doctrine bars the contractor from suing the design professional for economic loss. Likewise, if the homeowner hires a contractor and …


Cueing Democracy: Replacing The Texas Election Code's Title Prohibition., Christopher M. Childree Jan 2015

Cueing Democracy: Replacing The Texas Election Code's Title Prohibition., Christopher M. Childree

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Call To The Texas Legislature: The Franchise Tax Needs Substansive Changes, Not Just Rate Reductions., Alyson Outenreath Jan 2015

Call To The Texas Legislature: The Franchise Tax Needs Substansive Changes, Not Just Rate Reductions., Alyson Outenreath

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Sovereign Immunity: The Texas Department Of Transportation's Duty To Maintain Roadways Ravaged By The Eagle Ford Shale Boom., Lasca A. Arnold Jan 2015

Sovereign Immunity: The Texas Department Of Transportation's Duty To Maintain Roadways Ravaged By The Eagle Ford Shale Boom., Lasca A. Arnold

St. Mary's Law Journal

While the shale boom has brought about many positive results such as economic growth and new jobs to the Eagle Ford Shale region, the ravaged roadways left in the aftermath must be addressed. The demands for equipment and manpower created by oil and gas exploration are extensive. Sadly, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)—the entity charged with maintaining and repairing roads in these affected counties—refuses to supply sufficient funding to repair the over used roadways. This pressure is exerted in rural areas where most of the roads and bridges are designed for lower volumes of traffic. In addition to the …


A History Of The Law Clinics At St. Mary's University School Of Law., Sue Bentch Jan 2015

A History Of The Law Clinics At St. Mary's University School Of Law., Sue Bentch

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Defining A Health Care Liability Claim In The Post-Texas West Oaks Era., William Woolsey Jan 2015

Defining A Health Care Liability Claim In The Post-Texas West Oaks Era., William Woolsey

St. Mary's Law Journal

Following the Texas Supreme Court’s rulings in West Oaks Hospital v. Williams and Ross v. St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, it remains unclear whether a non-patient’s injury in a hospital constitutes a health care liability claim (HCLC). If the trial court rules the claim is an HCLC, the plaintiff must present expert testimony. Failure to present an expert report within 120 days after filing the suit results in automatic dismissal. The Texas Supreme Court addressed this issue in West Oaks. The Court held that a claimant, suing a hospital under a theory of premise liability, need not be a patient for …


How Mccullen Affects San Antonio's Anti-Panhandling Ordinance., Christopher M. Childree Jan 2015

How Mccullen Affects San Antonio's Anti-Panhandling Ordinance., Christopher M. Childree

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Revenge Pornography: Exploring Tortious Remedies In Texas., Kevin B. Bennett Jan 2015

Revenge Pornography: Exploring Tortious Remedies In Texas., Kevin B. Bennett

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


A Constitutional Amendment Allowing Broader Campaign-Finance Reform Would Not Criminalize Political Satire., Christopher W. Bell Jan 2015

A Constitutional Amendment Allowing Broader Campaign-Finance Reform Would Not Criminalize Political Satire., Christopher W. Bell

St. Mary's Law Journal

Campaign finance remains a perennial issue, because contributions and expenditures define the political campaigns which shape our democracy. While a majority of the American public supports limiting campaign spending, campaign finance reform remains near the bottom of most voters’ priorities. Reformers have called the lack of the public’s interest “[o]ne of the persistent mysteries of campaign finance reform.” Citizens United v. F.E.C. focused national attention on the role of money in politics. Citizens United evoked such strong reactions, because it represents the two competing versions of the concept of freedom of speech: “free speech as serving liberty” and “free speech …


Employee Recourses To Manager-Revealed Private Health Information., Molly Thomson Jan 2015

Employee Recourses To Manager-Revealed Private Health Information., Molly Thomson

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Indemnification Agreements For Intentional Misconduct: Balancing Public Policy And Freedom To Contract In Texas., Meagan Mckeown Jan 2015

Indemnification Agreements For Intentional Misconduct: Balancing Public Policy And Freedom To Contract In Texas., Meagan Mckeown

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Anti-Retaliation Protection For Internal Whistleblowers Under Dodd-Frank Following The Fifth Circuit Decision In Asadi., Tapas Agarwal Jan 2015

Anti-Retaliation Protection For Internal Whistleblowers Under Dodd-Frank Following The Fifth Circuit Decision In Asadi., Tapas Agarwal

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Potential Tort Liability For Personal Use Of Drone Aircraft., Benjamin D. Mathews Jan 2015

Potential Tort Liability For Personal Use Of Drone Aircraft., Benjamin D. Mathews

St. Mary's Law Journal

In the United States, the use of personal drones has become more prevalent. Businesses now use drones to deliver products to consumers. Consumers now use drones to video and photograph special events. As a result, new laws are needed concerning personal usage of drones. The number of drone sales is predicted to double by 2024. This is reflected by companies such as Parrot, a vendor of private drones, who in the first quarter of 2014 sold 670,000 drones. Citizens whose personal liberties have been infringed upon by another individual’s use of personal drones, often resort to common law torts because …


Resolving Drug Manufacturer Liability For Generic Drug Warning Label Defects., Frank Scaglione Jan 2015

Resolving Drug Manufacturer Liability For Generic Drug Warning Label Defects., Frank Scaglione

St. Mary's Law Journal

Although generic drugs are beneficial to consumers because they are offered as a more cost effective alternative to brand-name prescriptions, brand-name manufacturers are vulnerable to potential lawsuits because of generic drugs. Under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984 (Hatch-Waxman Act), generic manufacturers are able to quickly enter the market following the termination of a brand-name drug’s patent. As a result of the Hatch-Waxman Act, 75% of all drugs on the market are generic. The Hatch-Waxman Act, however, also requires generic drug manufacturers to duplicate the brand-name drug’s warning label. As an unintended consequence, injuries have …


Texas Inventory Tax: Appraisal Districts' Misunderstanding Of The Law Causing Texas Retailers To Pay The Price., Timothy Johnson Jan 2015

Texas Inventory Tax: Appraisal Districts' Misunderstanding Of The Law Causing Texas Retailers To Pay The Price., Timothy Johnson

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Brookshire Bros.: Cleanup On Aisle 9 - The Current Messy State Of Spoliation Law., Xavier Rodriguez Jan 2015

Brookshire Bros.: Cleanup On Aisle 9 - The Current Messy State Of Spoliation Law., Xavier Rodriguez

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Hamrick V. Ward: Clarifying Implied Easement Law., Courtney R. Potter Jan 2015

Hamrick V. Ward: Clarifying Implied Easement Law., Courtney R. Potter

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


The Ancient Magna Carta And The Modern Rule Of Law: 1215 To 2015., Vincent R. Johnson Jan 2015

The Ancient Magna Carta And The Modern Rule Of Law: 1215 To 2015., Vincent R. Johnson

St. Mary's Law Journal

This article argues the text of the Magna Carta, now 800 years old, and reflects many of the values that are at the center of the modern concept of the Rule of Law. A careful review of its provisions reveals the Magna Carta demonstrates a strong commitment to the resolution of disputes based on rules and procedures that are consistent, accessible, transparent, and fair; and to the development of a legal system characterized by official accountability and respect for human dignity.


Enforcement Of Noncompetition Agreements: Protecting Public Interests Through An Entrepreneurial Approach., Griffin Toronjo Pivateau Jan 2015

Enforcement Of Noncompetition Agreements: Protecting Public Interests Through An Entrepreneurial Approach., Griffin Toronjo Pivateau

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


The Michael Morton Act: Minimizing Prosecutorial Misconduct., Cynthia E. Hujar Orr, Robert G. Rodery Jan 2015

The Michael Morton Act: Minimizing Prosecutorial Misconduct., Cynthia E. Hujar Orr, Robert G. Rodery

St. Mary's Law Journal

Twenty-five years ago, Texas prosecutors significantly limited the pre-trial discovery it disclosed to criminal defendants. As a result of this policy, innocent individuals accused of murder, like Michael Morton, were denied their right to due process. Michael Morton was incarcerated for twenty-five years following a wrongful murder conviction. He was denied access to crucial evidence, which included a bandana with the victim’s blood and the killer’s hair, and eyewitness accounts describing the killer at or near the time of the murder. The prosecutor purposely withheld this evidence from Michael Morton; but thanks to the efforts of the Innocence Project, he …


Lincoln V. The Proslavery Constitution: How A Railroad Lawyer's Constitutional Theory Made Him The Great Emancipator., Paul Finkelman Jan 2015

Lincoln V. The Proslavery Constitution: How A Railroad Lawyer's Constitutional Theory Made Him The Great Emancipator., Paul Finkelman

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Compensation Forfeiture: Stacking Remedies Against Disloyal Agents And Employees., George P. Roach Jan 2015

Compensation Forfeiture: Stacking Remedies Against Disloyal Agents And Employees., George P. Roach

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


The Posse Comitatus Act Of 1878 And The End Of Reconstruction., Andrew Buttaro Jan 2015

The Posse Comitatus Act Of 1878 And The End Of Reconstruction., Andrew Buttaro

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Agreements To Alter The Limitation Period Imposed By U.C.C. Section 2-725: Some Overlooked Complications., Gregory Crespi Jan 2015

Agreements To Alter The Limitation Period Imposed By U.C.C. Section 2-725: Some Overlooked Complications., Gregory Crespi

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Professor Aloysius A. Leopold: An Extraordinary Man., Gerry W. Beyer Jan 2015

Professor Aloysius A. Leopold: An Extraordinary Man., Gerry W. Beyer

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


The Accommodation Doctrine Revisited: Implications In Law And In Policy., Courtney R. Potter Jan 2014

The Accommodation Doctrine Revisited: Implications In Law And In Policy., Courtney R. Potter

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


The Decline Of Civil Jury Trials: A Positive Development, Myth, Or The End Of Justice As We Now Know It?, Xavier Rodriguez Jan 2014

The Decline Of Civil Jury Trials: A Positive Development, Myth, Or The End Of Justice As We Now Know It?, Xavier Rodriguez

St. Mary's Law Journal

Jury participation is helpful in many respects. It fosters an understanding of the third branch of government and the workings of the judicial system. It offers the opportunity for individuals to serve in a unique role: neutral factfinder. Moreover, in an age of declining voter participation, jury service provides individuals with the opportunity to directly participate in our governmental structure. Despite these positive attributes, jury trials as we knew them are on the decline. That may or may not be problematic, depending on what types of cases are being impacted. Where parties have reached a voluntary and informed settlement on …


Is My Case Mandamusable: A Guide To The Current State Of Texas Mandamus Law., Marialyn Barnard, Lorien Whyte, Emmanuel Garcia Jan 2014

Is My Case Mandamusable: A Guide To The Current State Of Texas Mandamus Law., Marialyn Barnard, Lorien Whyte, Emmanuel Garcia

St. Mary's Law Journal

It is important for all Texas lawyers to be knowledgeable about mandamus relief. Unfortunately, there is no bright line rule in terms of mandamus relief. The general rule for when mandamus relief may be granted is when the trial court clearly abused its discretion, and there is not an adequate remedy available from a court of appeals. A clear of abuse of discretion is determined if no other trial court would have come to the same conclusion. In deciding if mandamus relief is proper, appellate courts apply a balancing test. The appellate court considers several factors including: preserving relator’s substantive …


Texas Remedies In Equity For Breach Of Fiduciary Duty: Disgorgement, Forfeiture, And Fracturing., George P. Roach Jan 2014

Texas Remedies In Equity For Breach Of Fiduciary Duty: Disgorgement, Forfeiture, And Fracturing., George P. Roach

St. Mary's Law Journal

The remedy of fee forfeiture against lawyer fiduciaries has been marginalized. Following Burrow v. Arce, Texas trial courts have frequently applied a no-fracturing rule that effectively bars a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against an attorney. Although the court in Burrow held actual damages were not a prerequisite for fee forfeiture, many Texas trial courts have not followed that precedent. Most Texas trial courts require the plaintiff to prove actual damages to survive a summary judgment motion. Others have openly asserted that not all legitimate claims for breach of fiduciary duty should be allowed as an alternative claim to …