News from May 2009
White House memo: Harm to economy if greenhouse gases are regulated
Lisa Jackson WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-If the U.S. government opts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions it could be a catastrophic blow to the nation's already struggling economy, an Obama administration memo says.
Insurer who sought return of interest from business loss proceeds settles
The Southeast Texas Record recently reported on an insurance company that appealed after being ordered to pay interest on a business interruption claim.
Appeals court to hear malpractice suit against John Morgan
Morgan In a few weeks, one of Beaumont's most colorful plaintiff's attorneys will stand before appellate justices and argue that it was lawful for a local judge to dismiss a legal malpractice case against him.
Enterprise seeks summary judgment soTekoa will release records
In February, the Southeast Texas Record reported that a local newspaper that has spent a year trying to get student test scores from a Port Arthur charter school and finally filed suit, asking the courts to step in and order the school to comply with its request.
Obama tax plan a 'giveaway' to trial lawyers
Obama (D) WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)- Punitive damage awards would no longer be a tax-deductible business expense under a budget proposal made by the White House this week.
Disgraced federal judge could face impeachment
Samuel Kent WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Congressional impeachment proceedings could begin today against disgraced U.S. District Judge Samuel Kent of Houston, who was sentenced Monday to lying to federal investigators about groping two female employees.
Nevada AG mentioned as possible Supreme Court nominee
Catherine Cortez Masto (D) LAS VEGAS (Legal Newsline)-Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto is being mentioned as a possible replacement for U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter who is retiring the summer.
Hot temps, cool times in store for Spindletop Spin
Hundreds of riders depart Crocket Street in last year's Spindletop Spin to benefit the Pro Bono Program. Climbing temperatures make it the perfect time to climb aboard a bike and generate a little breeze while generating funds for a good cause.
Dugas files another suit over shared attorneys' fees
Dugas A prominent Beaumont attorney who says he was terminated from a case in which he was supposed to earn 40 percent of the attorneys' fees has filed a lawsuit against an Austin man, another attorney and a law firm.
Stop an interstate asbestos scheme
Lawsuit abuse often goes as far as it does because judges tolerate it.
Harron doesn't recall key X-ray, CSX claims
Harron WHEELING, W. Va. - Radiologist Ray Harron doesn't remember the X-ray at the heart of CSX Transportation's fraud conspiracy suit against him and Pittsburgh lawyers, according to a CSX lawyer.
Philpott, Houseman winners of 2009 BBB Torch Awards
Torch Award winners Philpott Motors General Manager Bob Thewman, left, and Owner Relations Manager Jennifer Parker, right, join guest speaker Michael Reagan, center, at the May 5 banquet.
Philpott Motors Ltd. in Nederland and Tony Houseman Companies of Orange are the winners of the 2009 Torch Awards for Marketplace Trust presented May 5th by the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas.
Justices say county not responsible for injury caused by floodgate in road
Justice Don Willett AUSTIN � Denton County failed to secure a 17-foot floodgate arm that speared Rhiannon Beynon through a car, but according to the Texas Supreme Court the county doesn't have to pay her family for her injury.
State high court overturns $8M award to San Antonio family over toxic landfill
Texas Supreme Court AUSTIN � Bexar County jurors believed an engineer's naked conclusions and a doctor's conclusory opinions in linking a child's leukemia to a San Antonio landfill, the Texas Supreme Court ruled on May 1.
Portion of Arkansas tort reform law ruled unconstitutional
Arkansas Supreme Court LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- Declaring a portion of the 2003 tort reform law violates the Arkansas Constitution separation of powers clause, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled two provisions of the Civil Justice Reform Act unconstitutional on April 30.
Breiner reinstated following nine months of arbitration
An arbitrator has declared that a Beaumont police officer who was suspended for having sex with prostitutes during a sting operation will be reinstated to the force.
Woman sues Allstate over auto wreck proceeds
A Jefferson County woman says her insurance company has wrongfully refused to reimburse her for medical costs and other damages she incurred from auto collision.
Austin judge denies motion to have former rival's suit against governor thrown out
Rick Perry AUSTIN � Rick Perry may have won the Texas governor's election in 2006, but his supporters have lost a step in a legal battle with his former opponent.
This Just In: Recent civil suits filed in Jefferson County District Courts
Recent civil suits filed in Jefferson County District Courts, April 22-28, 2009
Pastor loses second lawsuit against paper mill regarding shift changes
TEXARKANA, Ark. � A second lawsuit to force Domtar Industries to allow a pastor to have Sundays off has been denied the chance to proceed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry A. Bryant.