Law and Society Commons^™

Justice Franklin Spears Dedication., Thomas R. Phillips

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Applying Edgewood V. Kirby To Analysis Of Fundamental Rights Under The Texas Constitution., Albert H. Kauffman, Carmen Maria Rumbaut

St. Mary's Law Journal

State constitutions are affirmative grants of power under which both stated and implied fundamental rights can be sought. A proposed test for fundamental rights under the Texas Constitution looks at three factors: the history of the topic within the Texas Constitution and case law; the actual language used in the controlling provision; and the importance of that value to the people of Texas. The declaration of a constitutional right as fundamental certainly has implications for future relationships between the people and the government.

The Edgewood v. Kirby case has the potential to change much in Texas. The case stands for …

What Price Innocence - A Realistic View Of The Innocent Landowner Defense Under Cercla., Debra L. Baker, Theodore G. Baroody

St. Mary's Law Journal

Congress enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to provide the federal government and the states with authority to clean up hazardous waste sites. This article discusses the significance of the so-called “innocent landowner defense” under CERCLA. This Act imposed liability on landowners regardless of the landowner’s contribution to, or awareness of, the presence of hazardous substances on their acquired property. The exceedingly, and apparently unintentionally, harsh impact of CERCLA liability soon became apparent. This article addresses a brief summary of the statute and the manner in which the innocent landowner defense came into existence. …

Is Lemon A Lemon - Crosscurrents In Contemporary Establishment Clause Jurisprudence., Stuart W. Bowen Jr.

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

An Employer Cannot Avoid Its Obligation To Contribute To An Employee-At-Will's Pension Plan By Terminating The Employee., Carol Jendrzey

St. Mary's Law Journal

In McClendon v. Ingersoll-Rand Co., the Texas Supreme Court held an employer cannot avoid its obligation to contribute to an employee-at-will’s pension plan by terminating the employee. A minority of jurisdictions recognize an implied contract exception to the employment-at-will doctrine allowing termination only with cause. In these jurisdictions, employers who raise the defense of statute of frauds because there is no written employment contract may be defeated by the terms of employment articulated in employee handbooks and manuals. Though both the legislatures and the courts recognize a public policy interest in protecting employee pension plans, the United States Supreme Court …

A Practical Guide To The Admissibility Of Novel Expert Evidence In Criminal Trials Under Federal Rule 702., Cathleen C. Herasimchuk

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Digital Audio Recording Technology: Challenges To American Copyright Law., Douglas Reid Weimer

St. Mary's Law Journal

This Article discusses the objectives of American copyright law, its development and its current day codification. The inception of digital audio recording technology (“DAT”) raises new challenges for American copyright law. American copyright is a constitutionally sanctioned and legislatively accorded form of protection for authors against the unauthorized copyright of their “original works of authorship.” A significant copyright issue is the ability of DAT to reproduce nearly perfect copies of copyrighted musical works. This Article further discusses certain aspects of copyright law, such as the fair use defense and the concept of “home” for the purposes of copyright protection. The …

The Stagnation Of Texas Ground Water Law: A Political V. Environmental Stalemate., Karen H. Norris

St. Mary's Law Journal

The rapidly increasing Texas population coupled with the scarcity of water resources has created an urgent need for regulation of ground water pumpage. The extraction of ground water in Texas remains largely unregulated. Texas landowners, by virtue of their surface ownership, have property rights in all underlying ground water. As such, Texas landowners have the right to unlimited pumpage of the ground water beneath their land. Texas landowners have jealously guarded this right at the expense of our environment and future water resources. The Texas legislature created conservative underground water districts to help preserve water resources. However, the limited scope …

Benign Classification Based On Race Must Be Narrowly Tailored To Achieve A Compelling Governmental Interest., Martha J. Hess

St. Mary's Law Journal

In City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co., the Supreme Court held a minority business utilization plan (Richmond Plan) was violative of the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. The Richmond Plan required all builders awarded city construction contracts to subcontract, at minimum, 30% of the contract value to Minority Business Enterprises. A state government enacting legislation that burdens one class of persons and benefits a similarly-situated class must provide sufficient justification for its action to survive equal protection analysis. When distinction is based on race or national origin—classes considered inherently suspect—a reviewing court subjects the governmental legislation to strict scrutiny, …

The Original Intent Of The Education Article Of The Texas Constitution., Mikal Watts, Brad Rockwell

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Current Procedures For Performing Meaningful Discussions In Federal Negotiated Procurements Are Uneconomical, Inefficient, And Ineffective - A Proposal For Improvement., Howard L. Speight

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Nonparties To Employment Discrimination Consent Decrees May Attack, In A Collateral Lawsuit, Decisions Made Pursuant To The Decrees., Michael T. Larkin

St. Mary's Law Journal

In Martin v. Wilks, the United States Supreme Court held nonparties to employment discrimination consent decrees may attack, in a collateral lawsuit, decisions made pursuant to the decrees. A consent decree is a voluntary judgment between parties which facilitates settlement of litigation by providing one party with equitable relief. Courts retain jurisdiction over parties to a consent decree, and they can issue contempt orders to parties violating the terms of the decree. Unlike judgments, the parties cannot challenge the consent decrees, except in limited circumstances. Recently, federal courts have widened the scope of preclusion law by defining the term “claim” …

In Memoriam.

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Limitation Of Liability Of Limited Partners While Affording Control Of Partnership Affairs To Limited Partners., Kenneth L. Bennight Jr., Troy (Trey) S. Martin Iii

St. Mary's Law Journal

This article examines the liability provisions of the Texas Revised Act Section 3.03 and compares it with other uniform limited partnership acts. It attempts to ascertain the amount of control a limited partner can exercise over the partnership without risking unlimited liability as a general partner. Limited partners invest capital and share in the profits of the business, but their liability is limited to the amount of capital they invest. If the limited partners exercise control over the business, however, the limited partners may forfeit their limited liability and become liable as general partners. In the last century, the law …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

$500,000 Cap On Non-Economic Damages For Medical Malpractice Inconsistent With Open Courts Guarantee In Texas Constitution., Kathryn Kase

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Government Action Does Not Violate Free Exercise Clause Of First Amendment When It Neither Coerces Action Contrary To Religious Beliefs Nor Prohibits Access To Practice Those Beliefs, But Merely Imposes An Incidental Burden On Religious Practice., Joani S. Harrison

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Merger Doctrine No Defense To Deceptive Trade Practices Suit For Breach Of Express Warranty., Robert Carl Jones

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Avoiding The Issue Of Whether Implied Warranties Extend To Professional Services By Defining Horse Training As A Modification Of An Existing Tangible Good., Wendy Hunkele

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Toxic Waste: Who Pays The Piper - A Private Party's Federal And Texas Rights To Recovery Of Voluntary Cleanup Costs Of Toxic Waste., Barbara Hanson Nellermoe

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.

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.

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.