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Full-Text Articles in State and Local Government Law
The Competency Of The Sham Affidavit As Summary Judgment Proof In Texas., David F. Johnson, Joseph P. Regan
The Competency Of The Sham Affidavit As Summary Judgment Proof In Texas., David F. Johnson, Joseph P. Regan
St. Mary's Law Journal
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit first addressed the sham affidavit theory in Kennett-Murray Corp. v. Bone. This is the doctrine regarding assertions made by affidavit in order to prove summary judgment which are contrary to prior statements given, usually during a deposition. More recently, the Fifth Circuit has used the theory to strike affidavits where it found a sufficient inconsistency existed. This Court has also applied the sham affidavit theory to any prior sworn testimony, not just deposition testimony. The adoption of this theory overturned the precedent which stated a factual issue existed where a …
Surreptitious Recording By Attorneys: Is It Ethical., Carol M. Bast
Surreptitious Recording By Attorneys: Is It Ethical., Carol M. Bast
St. Mary's Law Journal
Ethical rules generally set forth commonly held ethics principles in broad terms which usually generate little debate. What has generated a great deal of debate is whether it is ethical for an attorney to record a conversation. The American Bar Association’s (ABA) view of the issue has shifted over the years. Originally, the practice was held to be unethical except for certain well-defined exceptions involving government attorneys. The 2001 ABA opinion officially withdrew the original opinion allowing attorneys to secretly record a conversation with a non-client where it is not illegal. States’ opinions as to whether conversation recording is ethical …
In The Wake Of Low V. Henry: Is Pre-Suit Discovery Now A Reality In Texas., John G. Lione Jr., Ryan W. Lione
In The Wake Of Low V. Henry: Is Pre-Suit Discovery Now A Reality In Texas., John G. Lione Jr., Ryan W. Lione
St. Mary's Law Journal
Following the Texas Supreme Court decision in Low v. Henry, the issue of whether an attorney may be liable for filing a “groundless pleading” has come to the forefront of Texas jurisprudence. This recent decision ought to pique Texas attorneys’ attention. In reprimanding egregious attorney conduct, did the Texas Supreme Court’s tightening of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure increase the duties and responsibilities of all Texas attorneys by establishing what may amount to pre-suit discovery? Yet, courts presume pleadings and motions are filed in good faith, and the party seeking sanctions bears the burden of rebutting this presumption. The …
A Marginal Tax: The New Franchise Tax In Texas Comment., David A. Vanderhider
A Marginal Tax: The New Franchise Tax In Texas Comment., David A. Vanderhider
St. Mary's Law Journal
Taxation has long been a point of contention for both individuals and businesses. Primarily, taxation serves as a convenient and calculated method of allocating precious resources to areas in need. Although many states use property and income taxes as the preferred methods for funding these programs, Texas has a constitutional restriction on state taxation of individuals’ incomes. This means Texas has largely relied on property and business taxes to fund these programs. In 1991, while trying to avoid unconstitutional taxes on individuals’ incomes, the Texas Legislature adopted a franchise tax which taxed Texas businesses according to their capital. In 2006, …
Assault Upon The Citadel Of Privity: The Coexistence Of Strict, Privity And Belt V. Oppenheimer, Blend, Harrison & (And) Tate, Inc. Comment., C. John Muller Iv
Assault Upon The Citadel Of Privity: The Coexistence Of Strict, Privity And Belt V. Oppenheimer, Blend, Harrison & (And) Tate, Inc. Comment., C. John Muller Iv
St. Mary's Law Journal
The practicing attorney must have a complete understanding of legal malpractice liability. Managing this risk can be a precarious responsibility when the law is not clearly defined. This is compounded by the steady erosion of attorney-client privity barriers making it easier for third party non-clients to sue lawyers for legal malpractice. This is the current state of matters in Texas since the Texas Supreme Court decided Belt v. Oppenheimer, Blend, Harrison & Tate, Inc. on May 5, 2006. The Belt court determined personal representatives of an estate may bring a malpractice claim against the decedent’s attorneys. The Belt court was …