Health Law and Policy Commons^™

A Reasonable Belief That A Third Party Had Authority To Consent To A Search Is An Exception To The Warrant Requirement., S. Jeffrey Gately

St. Mary's Law Journal

In Illinois v. Rodriguez, the Supreme Court granted certiorari to determine whether a warrantless search is valid when police rely on consent of a third party whom they reasonably believe had common authority over an area but does not. A reasonable belief that a third party had authority to consent to a search is an exception to the warrant requirement. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects people and their possessions by prohibiting unreasonable searches by government authorities. Although this protection extends to any place where a person may claim a reasonable expectation of privacy, it especially protects …

Summary Judgments In Texas., David Hittner, Lynne Liberato

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Aspects Of Defending A Texas Deceptive Trade Practices - Consumer Protection Act Claim., Andy A. Tschoepe Ii, Stanley E. Crawford Jr., David Jed Williams

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Asserting And Defending Claims Involving An Fslic Relationship., Joe Phillips

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

A Proposal To Protect Injured Workers From Employers' Shield Of Immunity., Catherine A. Hale

St. Mary's Law Journal

The current workers’ compensation system shields negligent employers from liability and fails to encourage compliance with safety standards. A practical solution is to broaden the judicial definition of intentional conduct and reinstate a common-law negligence action in workers’ compensation statutes. The Texas Workers’ Compensation Act awards compensation to employees for accidental injuries sustained in the course of employment. The Act bars an employee who accepts these benefits from bringing a common-law suit for damages against the employer. The exclusive nature of the workers’ compensation remedy thus leaves employers immune from common-law negligence actions by employees who accept the plan. An …

How An Errorless Judgment Can Become Erroneous., Robert W. Calvert

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Hazardous Chemicals In The Workplace: The Employer's Obligation To Inform Employees And The Community., Nelson A. Clare

St. Mary's Law Journal

Significant changes have recently occurred in reporting requirements for employers who have hazardous chemicals in their workplaces. The amended Federal Hazard Communication Standard requires private employers, engaged in a business using hazardous chemicals, to communicate to employees the potential hazards. The Standard requires employers to use: 1) a Hazard Communication Program, 2) labels and other forms of warning, 3) material safety data sheets, and 4) information and training about hazardous chemicals. Local and state governments must compare and reconcile the various and complex provisions relating to the Standard to ensure compliance with all requirements of the respective laws. The Texas …

Private Retirement Benefits Earned During Marriage Characterized As Community Property And Do Not Automatically Remain Property Of Surviving Spouse., Darryl J. Silvera

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Fundamental Error When Rule Against Misjoinder Violated By Charging More Than One Non-Property Offense In Same Indictment Resulting In Multiple Convictions., Virginia Coyle

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Miranda Warnings Sufficient To Inform Defendant Of Sixth Amendment Right To Counsel For Postindictment Interrogations., David M. Shearer

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

In Pari Delicto Defense May Bar Recovery In Section 12(1) Action Under Securities Act Of 1933., G. Barton Chucker

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

A Consumer Update: Recent Developments Under The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act., Richard M. Alderman, Melanie P. Rosenthal

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Statutory Claims For Unfair Insurance Settlement Practices - Vail V. Texas Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company., Joseph G. Chumlea

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Warranties, Disclaimers, Limitation Of Remedies, And The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act., Thomas Black

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Squeezing The Lemon - Helping Texas Consumers With New Car Problems., Darby Riley

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Document Destruction In Business Litigation From A Practitioner's Point-Of-View: The Ethical Rules Vs. Practical Realities., Ricardo G. Cedillo, David Lopez

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Private Cause Of Action For Unfair Insurance Claim Settlement Practices Exists Under Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act And Insurance Code., Gloria F. Christmas

St. Mary's Law Journal

In Vail v. Texas Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, the Texas Supreme Court held a private cause of action for unfair insurance claim settlement practices exists under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and Insurance Code (DTPA). The DTPA and Insurance Code have repeatedly been used against the insurance industry in the areas of first and third-party claims, particularly in cases involving sales misrepresentations and post-loss claims misconduct. The goal of DTPA is to provide adequate safeguards to aggrieved consumers and, therefore, a broad interpretation of the act allows the courts to provide consumers a remedy and deter the continuance …

Jury Trials In The Bankruptcy Courts: Awaiting A Final Verdict., Ann Van Bever, V. Craig Cantrell

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Can Shakespeare Make You A Partner., Michael L. Richmond

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Should Your Spouse Be Compensated For Putting You Through School - Texas Says No; Is That Just And Right., Darryl J. Silvera

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Health Care Quality Improvement Act Of 1986: A Proposal For Interpretation Of Its Protection., Louise M. Joy

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Texas Oil And Gas Leases Contain Separate And Distinct Implied Covenant To Further Explore After Lucrative Production., E. Joy Jackson Sparks

St. Mary's Law Journal

In Sun Exploration & Production Co. v. Jackson, the Texas Supreme Court held Texas oil and gas leases contain a separate and distinct implied covenant to further explore after lucrative production. A lease that grants an interest in oil and gas found beneath the ground surface holds several implied covenants. Once successful production begins on a leasehold, implied covenants arise to encourage cooperation between the lessor and the lessee. A covenant is a “promise” between two or more parties to perform or not to perform a specific act. A covenant may be expressly stated within a contract or implied by …

Military Contractors Who Comply With Elements Of Government Contractor Defense Are Immune From Products Liability Suits Stemming From Design Defects., Matthew J. Sullivan

St. Mary's Law Journal

In Boyle v. United Technologies Corp., the United States Supreme Court held military contractors who comply with the elements of the government contractor defense are immune from products liability suits stemming from design defects. Lower courts consider the government contractor defense to be a combination of two separate defenses. The first is the well-settled contract specification defense which eliminates liability for contractors who properly follow client supplied specifications. The second defense is the doctrine of shared sovereign immunity shielding the contractor from liability based on public policy concerns.

In Boyle, the Court held defective design of military equipment will not …

Judicial Rulemakers Held To Have Produced Federal Sentencing Guidelines Within Permissible Twilight Area In Which Branches Of Government Merge., Janis Hillman

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Causes Of Action Stemming From Federal Government's Negligence In Implementing Mandatory Regulations Or Statutes Are Not Barred By Discretionary Function Exception Of Federal Tort Claims Act., Irl I. Nathan

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Foreword., Barbara Bader Aldave

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Address., William H. Rehnquist

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Civil Rico: Overview On The Eve Of The 200th Anniversary Of The Federal Judiciary., Dan A. Naranjo, Edward L. Pina

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Technology Transfers: What If The Other Party Files Bankruptcy., Ann Livingston, Leif M. Clark

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Interference With Prospective Civil Litigation By Spollation Of Evidence: Should Texas Adopt A New Tort., Philip A. Lionberger

St. Mary's Law Journal

Texas courts should adopt a tort for spoliation of evidence. Spoliation of evidence is the tampering with, interference with, loss of, or destruction of evidence. Spoliation of evidence is a serious legal problem because it increases a litigant’s difficulty in proving a cause of action or a defense. Evidence destruction may also increase litigation costs and cause the trial court to make factfinding errors. Texas courts should adopt the tort of spoliation of evidence because it compensates injured litigants and deters future acts of spoliation. Another reason for adopting the tort for spoliation of evidence is the inadequacy of alternative …