Texas Supreme Court 2007 Opinion Roundup

CASES DECIDED BY THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT IN 2007 - BY CATEGORY

Disclaimer: No warranties as to completeness and accuracy. Corrections and comments on categories and proper case characterization welcome.
Also see ---> Reverse chronological case table of 2007 Texas Supreme Court Decisions

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

Lasalle Bank Nat'l Assn. v. White, No. 06-1016 (Tex. Dec. 21, 2007)(per curiam)(agricultural homestead, home-equity loan, lien validity
Yancy v. United Surgical Partners International, Inc. No. 05-0925 (Tex. Oct. 19, 2007)(Jefferson)(health care liability claim, statute of limitations, state constitutional open courts challenge denied)
HEB Ministries, Inc. v Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, No. 03-0995 (Tex. Aug. 31, 2007)(Hecht)(regulation of religious institutions of higher education unconstitutional under first amendment) Justice Wainwright delivered an opinion concurring in part and dissenting in part, and concurring in the judgment. Chief Justice Jefferson delivered an opinion concurring in part and dissenting in part
Westbrook v. Penley, No. 04-0838 (Tex. Jun. 29, 2007)(O’Neill)(professional negligence tort against paster; ecclesiastical matter not subject to civil court jurisdiction as a matter of constitutional law)
County of Dallas v. Wiland, No. 04-0247 (Tex. Feb. 16, 2007)(Hecht) Separate opinion by Brister (termination of employment of deputy constables, due process, protected interest)
County of Dallas v. Walton, No. 04-0631 (Tex. Feb. 16, 2007)(Hecht) Separate opinion by Brister (deputy constable entitled to procedural due process in case nonreappointment case)
Norris v. Thomas, No. 05-0476 (Tex. Feb. 9, 2007)(Willet)(boat not homestead under Texas homestead law)

CERTIFIED QUESTIONS FROM THE 5TH CIRCUIT
(2 cases decided, with 6 questions)

Mid-Continent Ins. Co. v. Liberty Mutual Ins. Co., No. 05-0261 (Tex. Oct. 12, 2007)(Wainwright)(insurance law, subrogation, contribution, apportionment of settlement amount between insurers. Certified question from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit) Justice Willett delivered a concurring opinion.

Lamar Homes Inc. v. Mid-Continent Casualty Co., No. 05-0832 (Tex. Aug. 31, 2007)(Medina)(insurers duty to defend, home construction defect) Justice Brister delivered a dissenting opinionBrister Dissent II in Lamar Homes, Inc. v. Mid-Century Casualty Co., No. 05-0832 (Tex. Dec. 14, 2007)(Dissent by Brister on motion for rehearing) (insurance law, prompt payment statute, duty to defend, statutory construction)

INSURANCE LAW

Brister Dissent in Lamar Homes, Inc. v. Mid-Century Casualty Co., No. 05-0832 (Tex. Dec. 14, 2007)(Dissent by Brister on motion for rehearing) (insurance law, prompt payment statute, duty to defend, statutory construction)
Morales v. Liberty Mutual Ins. Co., No. 05-0754 (Tex. Dec. 7, 2007)(O'Neill) (worker's comp. employment status)
Mid-Century Ins. Co. v. Ademaj, No. 05-0016 (Tex. Nov. 30, 2007)(Opinion by Justice Green)(insurance law, rate regulation, billing of anti-theft fee)Mid-Continent Ins. Co. v. Liberty Mutual Ins. Co., No. 05-0261 (Tex. Oct. 12, 2007)(Wainwright)(insurance law, subrogation, contribution, apportionment of settlement amount between insurers. Certified question from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit) Justice Willett delivered a concurring opinion.
National Plan Administrators, Inc. v. National Health Ins. Co., No. 05-0006 (Tex. Sep. 28, 2007)(Johnson)(commercial law, contract, Texas Insurance Code, fiduciary duty)
Lamar Homes Inc. v. Mid-Continent Casualty Co., No. 05-0832 (Tex. Aug. 31, 2007)(Medina)(insurers duty to defend, home construction defect)
Stonebridge Life Ins. Co. v. Pitts, No. 06-0655 (Tex. Aug 31, 2007)(per curiam)(class action, insurance telemarketing)
Fortis Benefits v. Cantu, No. 05-0791 (Tex. Jun. 29, 2007)(Opinion by Justice Willett)(insurance law, subrogation)
In Re Allstate County Mutual Ins. Co., No. 06-0878 (Tex. Jun. 15, 2007)(per curiam)(discovery limitations)
Citizens Ins. Co. of America v. Daccach, No. 03-0505 (Tex. Mar 2, 2007)(Wainwright)(insurance law, class certification, choice of law) Separate opinion by Jefferson State Farm Life Ins. Co. v. Martinez, No. 05-0812 (Tex. Feb 9, 2007)(Brister)(insurance law, interpleader, avoidance of penalties and interest by interpleading policy proceeds)

WORKER'S COMP AND WORKPLACE INJURY SUBSCRIBERS NONSUBSCRIBER

Morales v. Liberty Mutual Ins. Co., No. 05-0754 (Tex. Dec. 7, 2007)(O'Neill) (worker's comp. employment status)
Entergy Gulf State, Inc. v. Summers (Tex. Aug. 31, 2007)(Willett)(premises owner and exclusive remedy defense under Workers' Compensation Act)
Energy Service Co. of Bowie, Inc. v. Superior Snubbing Services, Inc., No. 05-0202 (Tex. Aug. 24, 2007)(Hecht)(worker's comp, indemnity)
Central Ready Mix Concrete Co., Inc. v. Islas, No. 05-0940 (Tex. Jun. 29, 2007)(Opinion by Justice Brister)(liability for work-related injury)
Daughters of Charity Health Services of Waco v. Linnstaedter, No. 05-0108 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(Brister)(workers compensation discount, hospital lien)
Jack in the Box, Inc. v. Skiles, No. 05-0911 (Tex. Feb 9, 2007(per curiam)(workplace safety, injury, nonsubscriber employer, no duty, no liability for negligence)

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE (HEALTH CARE LIABILITY CLAIMS)

Ogletree, M.D. v. Matthews, No. 06-0502 (Tex. Nov. 30, 2007)(Jefferson)(HCLC, medical malpractice, timely but deficient expert report, denial of motion to dismiss, extension to cure defect, interlocutory appeal)
Yancy v. United Surgical Partners International, Inc. No. 05-0925 (Tex. Oct. 19, 2007)(Jefferson)(health care liability claim, statute of limitations, SoL, state constitutional open courts challenge denied)
Lowry Schaub, MD v. Sanchez (Tex. Jun 22, 2007)(per curiam)(HCLC, informed consent)
Kallam, M.D. v. Boyd, No. 05-0027 (Tex. Jun. 15, 2007)(per curiam)(medical malpractice, plaintiff died pending appeal)
In Re Christus Spohn Hospital, No. 04-0914 (Tex. Apr. 27, 2007)(O'Neill)(mandamus)(discovery, evidence, production, privilege, snap-back provision)
Low v. Henry, No. 04-0452 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(Wainwright)(HCLC, sanctions for false factual claims)
Jackson v. Axelrad, No. 04-0923 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(Brister)(HCLC, medical malpractice)

OTHER TORT LAW CASES

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. v. Mayes, No. 04-0993 (Tex. Jun 15, 2007)(per curiam)(premises liability)
Brinson Ford, Inc. v. Alger, No. 05-0722 (Tex. Jun. 15, 2007)(per curiam)(premises liability)
Borg-Warner Corp. v. Flores, No. 05-0189 (Tex. Jun. 8, 2007)(Jefferson)(asbestos suit, causation proof)
F.F.P. Operating Partners, L.P. v. Duenez, No. 02-0381 (Tex. May 11, 2007)(subst. opinion by Wainwright)(Opinion released Nov. 3, 2006 withdrawn)(Dram Shop Act) Dissent by Chief Justice Jefferson. Dissent by Justice O'Neill

PRODUCTS LIABILITY

Ford Motor Co. v. Ledesma, No. 05-0895 (Tex. Dec. 21, 2007)(Willett)(PI-auto, product liability, manufacturing defect, expert testimony, causation, jury charge error)

CITIES, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, AND OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES

Houston Municipal Employees Pension System v. Ferrell, No. 05-0587 (Tex. Nov. 30, 2007)(Green)(public employment, UDJA, jurisdiction, nonsuit)
Lamesa ISD v. Booe dba Booe Roofing Co., No. 05-0959 (Tex. Sep. 28, 2007)(per curiam)(sovereign immunity to contract claims, opportunity to amend, citing Texas A & M Univ. Sys. v. Koseoglu, Tooke progeny)
Fort Worth I.S.D. v. Service Employment Redevelopment, No. 05-0427 (Tex. Aug. 24, 2007)(per curiam)(breach of contract immunity, Tooke)
City of Arlington v. Matthews, No. 06-0251 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)(Tooke)
City of Pasadena v. Kinsel Industries, No. 06-0353 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)(Tooke)
City of Elsa v. M.A.L., No. 06-0516 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)
Tellez v. City of Socorro, No. 05-0629 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)(zoning, jurisdiction)
Dallas Fire Fighters Association v. City of Dallas, No. 04-0821 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)(Tooke)
Abilene Housing Authority v. Gene Duke Builders, No. 05-0631 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)(Tooke)
In Re Bexar County Criminal DA's Office, No. 05-0613 (Tex. May 4, 2007)(Willett)(mandamus)(witness subpoena, testimonial privilege, work-product privilege) Justice Willett wrote a separate concurring opinion. Justice Johnson wrote a dissenting opinion in
City of San Antonio v. Ytuarte, No. 05-0991 (Tex. May 4, 2007)(per curiam)(official immunity, police officer)
City of Dallas v. Saucedo-Falls, et al.; No. 05-0973 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(sovereign immunity law; fire fighters given chance to argue waiver by conduct or statute on remand)
City of Sweetwater, Texas v. Waddell, et al, No. 05-1033 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(“sue and be sued” provision in charter does not waive city’s immunity under Tooke v. City of Mexia; firefighters given chance of argue new limited statutory immunity waiver on remand)
In Re Gillespie County, No. 06-00052 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(mandamus granted to enforce mandatory venue under TTCA) consolidated with In Re Texas Department of Transportation, No. 06-0289 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)
City of Galveston v. State, 217 S.W.3d 466 (Tex. 2007) City of Galveston v. State of Texas, No. 04-0890 (Tex. Mar. 2, 2007)(Brister)(sovereign immunity law, statutory immunity waiver, permission to sue) Dissenting opinion by WillettThe City of Houston v. Williams, No. 06-0093 (Tex. Feb. 23, 2007)(per curiam)(interlocutory appeal, ILA, sovereign immunity, waiver, declaratory relief, circumvention of immunity by UDJAnot permitted)
City of San Antonio v. TPLP Office Part Properties, No. 04-1130 (Tex. Feb. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(governmental entities, takings claim, no compensable taking on account of closing of driveway; city’s action was proper exercise of City’s police power)

STATE GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES AGENCIES AGENCY AUTHORITY SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY

Texas Parks & Wildlife Dep't v. E.E. Lowrey Realty, Ltd., No. 05-0157 (Tex. Sep. 28, 2007)(per curiam)(sovereign immunity, official capacity claims)
Texas Municipal Power Agency v. PUC, No. 04-0751 (Tex. Dec. 14, 2007)(Green) (regulatory policy, agency authority, statutory construction, declaratory judgment, PUC rate regulation)
Igal v. Brightstar Information Technology Group, Inc. 04-0931 (Tex. Dec. 7, 2007)(Wainwright)(employment law, Texas Payday Act, res judicata based on Commission ruling) Justice Brister delivered a dissenting opinion,Texas Parks & Wildlife Dep't v. E.E. Lowrey Realty, Ltd., No. 05-0157 (Tex. Sep. 28, 2007)(per curiam)(sovereign immunity, official capacity claims)
Texas A & M Univ. Sys. v. Koseoglu, No. 05-0321 (Tex. Sep. 7, 2007)(Green) (public employment, governmental entities, sovereign immunity, breach of settlement agreement, ILA, opportunity to amend)
HEB Ministries, Inc. v Teas Higher Education Coordinating Board, No. 03-0995 (Tex. Aug. 31, 2007)(Hecht)(regulation of religious institutions of higher education unconstitutional under first amendment)
El Paso Hospital District v. Texas Health and Human Services Comm'n, No. 05-0372 (Tex. Aug 31, 2007)(Medina)(agency rulemaking, declaratory judgment)
In Re SWBT, No. 05-0951 (Tex. Aug. 31, 2007)(Jefferson)(agency jurisdiction, PUC jurisdiction)
Stephen F. Austin State Univ. v. Flynn, No. 04-0515 (Tex. Jun. 29, 2007)(Medina)(Recreational Use Statute, TTCA, plea to the jurisdiction, sovereign immunity; suit dismissed as jurisdictionally barred) Justice Hecht wrote a concurring opinion in Stephen F. Austin State University v. Flynn
State of Texas v. Oakley, No. 06-0050 (Tex. Jun. 8, 2007)(Brister)(wrongful imprisonment compensation claim, assignability)
In Re Southwestern Bell Telephone Co., L.P., No. 05-0511 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(mandamus, primary agency jurisdiction)(Johnson)
State of Texas v. Beam, No. 06-0974 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(Jefferson)(expunction, misdemeanor)
State of Texas v. Fidelity and Deposit Co. of Maryland, No. 04-0180 (Tex. May 4, 2007)(per curiam)(sovereign immunity to counterclaims waived under Reata) Also see --> Texas government entity cases
Holmes v. Kent, No. 04-0729 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(TRS benefits dispute, change in beneficiary designation)
State of Texas v. Holland, No. 05-0292 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(O'Neill)(contract dispute, royalties, takings claim, sovereign immunity)
U.S. v. Boateng, No. 05-0752 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(sovereign immunity, bill of review)
State of Texas v. Precision Solar Controls, Inc., No. 06-0348 (Tex. Apr. 5, 2007)(per curiam)(prior denial withdrawn upon motion for rehearing)(sovereign immunity)
In Re Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT), No. 06-0289 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(mandamus granted to enforce mandatory venue provision of TTCA)
City of Galveston v. State, 217 S.W.3d 466 (Tex. 2007) City of Galveston v. State of Texas, No. 04-0890 (Tex. Mar. 2, 2007)(Brister)(sovereign immunity law, statutory immunity waiver, permission to sue) Dissenting opinion by Willett

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYERS

Morales v. Liberty Mutual Ins. Co., No. 05-0754 (Tex. Dec. 7, 2007)(O'Neill) (worker's comp. employment status)
Houston Municipal Employees Pension System v. Ferrell, No. 05-0587 (Tex. Nov. 30, 2007)(Green)(public employment, UDJA, jurisdiction, nonsuit)
Montgomery County v. Park, No. 05-1023 (Tex. Nov. 30, 2007)(Opinion by Chief Justice Jefferson)(public employment, governmental entities, WBA, Texas Whistleblower Act, adverse employment personnel action)
Texas A & M Univ. Sys. v. Koseoglu, No. 05-0321 (Tex. Sep. 7, 2007)(Green) (public employment, governmental entities, sovereign immunity, breach of settlement agreement, ILA, opportunity to amend)
Stephen F. Austin State Univ. v. Flynn, No. 04-0515 (Tex. Jun. 29, 2007)(Medina)(Recreational Use Statute, TTCA, plea to the jurisdiction, sovereign immunity; suit dismissed as jurisdictionally barred) Justice Hecht wrote a concurring opinion in Stephen F. Austin State University v. Flynn
Seagull Energy v. Railroad Commission of Texas, No. 03-0364 (Tex. May 4, 2007)(Medina)(authority of Tex. RR Comm'n)
Vandevender v. Woods, No. 05-0956 (Tex. Apr. 27, 2007)(Willett)(public employment, benefits)
Holmes v. Kent, No. 04-0729 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(TRS benefits dispute, change in beneficiary designation)
County of Dallas v. Wiland, No. 04-0247 (Tex. Feb. 16, 2007)(Hecht) Separate opinion by Brister (termination of employment of deputy constables, due process, protected interest)
County of Dallas v. Walton, No. 04-0631 (Tex. Feb. 16, 2007)(Hecht) Separate opinion by Brister (deputy constable entitled to procedural due process in case non-reappointment case)

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW PRIVATE EMPLOYERS

Igal v. Brightstar Information Technology Group, Inc. 04-0931 (Tex. Dec. 7, 2007)(Wainwright)(employment law, Texas Payday Act, res judicata based on Commission ruling) Justice Brister delivered a dissenting opinion
In Re Autonation, Inc., No. 05-0311 (Tex. Jun. 29, 2007)(Opinion by Justice Willett)(contractual forum selection clause enforced, mandamus granted, covenant not to compete, noncompete)
Quigley v. Bennett, No. 05-0870 (Tex. Jun. 8, 2007)(Johnson)(geologic services, no written contract, royalty interest in minerals)
Baylor Univ. v. Sonnichsen, No. 04-0851 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(employment dispute)(fraud damages barred where same damages sought in unenforceable oral contract)
Baylor University v. Coley, No. 04-0916 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(Hecht)(employment dispute) Justice Johnson delivered a concurring opinion

CLASS ACTIONS

Best Buy Co. v. Barrera, No. 07-0028 (Tex. Nov. 30, 2007)(per curiam)(consumer law, class de-certified
In Re Sci Texas Funeral Services, Inc. No. 06-0385 (Tex. Oct. 12, 2007)(per curiam)(class action decertification, discovery orders and sanctions)
Stonebridge Life Ins. Co. v. Pitts, No. 06-0655 (Tex. Aug 31, 2007)(per curiam)(class action, insurance telemarketing)
Farmers Group, Inc. v Lubin, No. 05-0169 (Tex. Apr. 27, 2007)(Brister)(AG class action suit) Justice Hecht delivered a separate opinion
Citizens Ins. Co. of America v. Daccach, No. 03-0505 (Tex. Mar 2, 2007)(Wainwright)(insurance law, class certification, choice of law) Separate opinion by Jefferson

REAL ESTATE LAW

Lasalle Bank Nat'l Assn. v. White, No. 06-1016 (Tex. Dec. 21, 2007)(per curiam)(agricultural homestead, home-equity loan, lien validity)
Norris v. Thomas, No. 05-0476 (Tex. Feb. 9, 2007)(Willet)(boat not homestead under Texas homestead law)

BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

BFI Waste Systems of North America, Inc. v. North Alamo Water Supply Corp., No. 06-0602 (Tex, Oct.12, 2007)(per curiam)(excuse breach, prior breach by other party to contract)
Reliance National Indemnity Co v. Advanced Temporaries, Inc., No. 05-0558 (Tex. Jun. 8, 2007)(Medina)(subcontractor's mechanics lien)First Commerce Bank v. Palmer, No. 05-0686 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(Medina)(guarantee agreement,consideration)
Equistar Chemicals v. Dresser-Rand Co., No. 04-0121 (Tex. May 4, 2007)(Johnson)(equipment failure, economic loss rule, warranty)
Gym-N-I Playground, Inc. v. Snider, No 05-0197 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(Jefferson)(commercial lease law, "as is" provision, warranty disclaimer enforceable, bars suit)

FAMILY LAW AND CHILD PROTECTION

In Interest of J.A.J., No. 07-0511 (Tex. Nov. 2, 2007)(O'Neill)(termination of parental rights, conservatorship to CPS not appealed)
In re Moore, No. 06-0544 (Tex. Aug. 31, 2007)(per curiam)(SAPCR, nonparents, sanctions)
Holmes v. Kent, No. 04-0729 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(TRS benefits dispute, change in beneficiary designation)
In the Estate of Marvin Nash, No. 05-0538 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(Jefferson)(effect of divorce on will)
In Re Alvin Green, No. 06-0496 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(contractual alimony not enforceable by contempt, habeas granted)
In Re Ricky Derzapf, No. 06-0669 (Tex. Mar. 23, 2007)(per curiam)(family law, SAPCR, grandparent suit, parent prevails over grandparent in dispute over access to grandchildren, mandamus granted) Also see --> Texas family law cases
Zipp v. Alisa Wuemling, No. 05-0731 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(family law, guardianship, mootness issue)

JURISDICTION (other than sovereign immunity based lack of subject-matter jurisdiction) PERSONAL IN PERSONAM JURISDICTION SPECIAL APPEARANCE FOREIGN DEFENDANT

Allstate Ins. Co. v. Fleming, No. 05-0645 (Tex. Dec. 14, 2007)(per curiam)(petition for review interlocutory appeal dismissed for lack of conflicts jurisdiction; no dissent in the court below)Chambers v. John M. O'Quinn, No. 06-1073 (Tex. Dec. 14, 2007)(per curiam) (arbitration, court of appeals erred in finding it lacked jurisdiction to review order compelling arbitration)
Liberty Mutual Ins. Co. v. Griesing, No. 04-0902 (Tex. Dec. 14, 2007)(per curiam jurisdictional dismissal) (no conflict in the court of appeals below, ergo no conflicts jurisdiction in the supreme court)
Texas A & M Univ. Sys. v. Koseoglu, No. 05-0321 (Tex. Sep. 7, 2007)(Green) (public employment, governmental entities, sovereign immunity, breach of settlement agreement, ILA, opportunity to amend)
Christus Health Gulf Coast v. Aetna, Inc., No. 05-0710 (Tex., Aug. 31, 2007)(Jefferson)(Medicare reimbursement suit in state court)
PHC-Minden LP v. Kimberly-Clark Corp., No. 05-0823 (Tex. Aug. 31, 2007)(Jefferson)(personal jurisdiction, special appearance, foreign defendant, minimum contacts)
IRA Resources, Inc. v. Griego, No. 05-0469 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(special appearance)
Moki Mac River Expeditions v. Drugg, No. 04-0432 (Tex. Mar. 2, 2007)(O'Neill)(long-arm jurisdiction, special appearance, foreign defendant) Dissenting opinion by Phil Johnson

FORUM AND VENUE

In Re Pirelli Tire, LLC, No. 04-1129 (Tex. Nov. 2, 2007)(O'Neil)(plurality opinion)(forum non conveniens) Justice Willett delivered a concurring opinion. Justice Johnson delivered a dissenting opinion
In Re Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT), No. 06-0289 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(mandamus granted to enforce mandatory venue provision of Texas Tort Claims Act - TTCA)
In Re Gillespie County, No. 06-00052 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(mandamus granted to enforce mandatory venue under TTCA) consolidated with In Re Texas Department of Transportation, No. 06-0289 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)

PROCEDURAL LAW - TRIAL COURTS

Knapp Med. Ctr. v. De La Garza II, No. 06-0575 (Tex. Dec. 14, 20o7)(Suppl. per curiam op. on reh'g) (Rule 11 agreement must be in writing and operates as a statute of frauds, claim barred)
Knapp Medical Center v. De La Garza, No 06-0575 (Tex. Nov. 06-0575) (per curiam)(enforceability of Rule 11 Agreement)
Proulx v. Wells, No. 06-0258 (Tex. Aug 31, 2007)(per curiam)(service of citation, due diligence)
Hubicki v. Festina A. Lichtenstein Foundation, No. 05-0357 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)(default judgment, insufficient service of process)
In Re Discount Rental, Inc., No. 05-0249 (Tex. Mar. 2, 2007)(per curiam)(void judgment, defective service, lack of authority to order sale, enforcement of judgment)
Wachovia Bank v. Gilliam, No. 05-0903 (Tex. Feb. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(restricted appeal, default judgment, insufficient service of corporate citation)

LIMITATIONS

Yancy v. United Surgical Partners International, Inc. No. 05-0925 (Tex. Oct. 19, 2007)(Jefferson)(health care liability claim, statute of limitations, SoL, state constitutional open courts challenge denied)
Ford v. Exxon Mobil Chemical Co., No. 06-0293 (Tex. Aug. 31, 2007)(per curiam)(real estate fraud, limitations)
Elledge v. Friberg-Cooper Water Supply Corp., No. 06-0677 (Tex. Aug. 24, 2007)(per curiam)(statute of limitations for unjust enrichment)

APPELLATE PROCEDURE

Springer v. Springer, No. 06-0382 (Tex. Nov. 2, 2007)(per curiam)(timelines for appeal)
Sprowl v. Payne, No. 06-0533 (Tex. Nov. 2, 2007)(per curiam)(appellate procedure, payment for record, indigence)
Ramos v. Richardson, No. 06-0336 (Tex. Jun. 29, 2007)(per curiam)(prisoner suit, timeliness of notice of appeal)
In Re Allied Chemical Corp. No. 04-1023 Tex. Jun. 15, 2007)(Jun. 15, 2006)(Brister)(mandamus)(procedural law)
Kallam, M.D. v. Boyd, No. 05-0027 (Tex. Jun. 15, 2007)(per curiam)(medical malpractice, plaintiff died pending appeal)
Jane Doe v. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, No. 06-0686 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(severance, finality of judgement, order, appellate deadlines, timeliness of notice of appeal NoA)
Ontiveros v. Flores, No. 06-0607 (Tex. Mar. 2, 2007)(per curiam) (appellate procedure, failure to preserve error)
Hood v. Wal-Mart, No. 05-0902 (Tex. Feb. 23, 2007)(per curiam)(pro se appeal, IFP, affidavit of indigence, no contest re: status, DWOP on appeal)

ARBITRATION

In Re U.S. Home Corp, Lennar Corp et al, No. 03-1080 (Tex. Oct. 12, 2007)(per curiam)(arbitration home owners, residential construction defect)
In re Merrill Lynch Trust Co., No. 03-1059 (Tex. Aug 31, 2007)(per curiam)(arbitration mandamus, financial services)
In Re H&R Block No. 04-0061 (Tex. Aug. 24, 2007)(per curiam)(arbitration mandamus)
In re Merrill Lynch, No. 04-0865 (Tex. Aug. 24, 2007)(Brister)(arbitration) Justice Hecht delivered an opinion concurring in part and dissenting in part Justice Johnson delivered an opinion concurring in part and dissenting in part
In re Kaplan Higher Educ. Corp., No. 06-0072 (Tex. Aug. 24, 2007)(per curiam)(arbitration mandamus)
In Re RLS Legal Solutions, LLC., No. 05-0290 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(arbitration mandamus)
In re Bank One, No. 06-0093 (Tex. Feb 23, 2007)(per curiam)(arbitration, presumption against waiver of right to arbitrate)

ATTORNEY'S FEES

Bossier Chrysler-Dodge II, Inc. v. Rauschenberg, No. 06-0874 (Tex. Nov. 2, 2007)(per curiam)(remand for determination of attorneys fees?)
Young v. Qualls, No. 05-1091 (Tex. May 4, 2007)(per curiam)(attorneys fees)
Varner v. Cardenas, No. 06-0212 (Tex. Mar. 2, 2007)(per curiam)(attorney fee segregation, other claims, claims against third parties, counterclaims)

UNCATEGORIZED CASES

A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. v. Beyer., No. 05-0580 (Tex. Sep. 28, 2007)(Wainwright)(financial services, breach of contract, joint account with right of survivorship, Texas Probate Code, attorney's fees)
Gaines v. Kelly, No. 05-1092 (Tex. Aug. 24, 2007)(Medina)(lending, apparent authority)
Wilz v. Flournoy, No. 06-0913 (Tex. Jun. 29, 2007)(per curiam)(constructive trust, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, invocation of fifth amendment privilege in civil proceeding)
In Re Christus Spohn Hospital, No. 04-0914 (Tex. Apr. 27, 2007)(O'Neill)(mandamus)(discovery, evidence, production, privilege, snap-back provision)
South Texas Water Authority v. Lomas, No. 05-0855 (Tex. Apr. 27, 2007)(per curiam)(standing)

ETHICS, DISQUALIFICATION, AND RECUSAL

In re McKee, M.D., No. 06-0055 (Tex. Nov. 30, 2007)(per curiam)(ethics law, recusal of judge, administrative order)
In Re Michael Angelo Basco, No. 05-0771 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(disqualification of counsel, mandamus granted)

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE

In the Matter of Eugene X. Mercier, No. 06-1008 (Tex. Dec. 21, 2007)(per curiam)(attorney discipline, suspension, disbarment)

Texas Supreme Court Closes Year. Unfinished business to be taken up in 2008

Order Pronounced December 28, 2007

END OF YEAR ORDERS - THE FOLLOWING ORDER IS ISSUED:

All causes, petitions for review, original proceedings, motions and other matters filed, and to be filed, and not finally disposed of during this term of court are continued to the next term of court.

(Tex. 2007) Per Curiam Opinions of the Texas Supreme Court

Case Table: Texas Supreme Court Cases decided with per curiam opinions (in reverse chronological order, with links to opinions)

In the Matter of Eugene X. Mercier, No. 06-1008 (Tex. Dec. 21, 2007)(per curiam)(ethics, attorney discipline, suspension, disbarment)
Lasalle Bank Nat'l Assn. v. White, No. 06-1016 (Tex. Dec. 21, 2007)(per curiam)(real estate law, agricultural homestead, home-equity loan, lien validity)
Knapp Med. Ctr. v. De La Garza II, No. 06-0575 (Tex. Dec. 14, 2007)(supplemental per curiam opinion on rehearing) (Rule 11 agreement must be in writing and operates as a statute of frauds, claim barred)
Liberty Mutual Ins. Co. v. Griesing, No. 04-0902 (Tex. Dec. 14, 2007)(per curiam jurisdictional dismissal) (interlocutory appeal, no conflict in the court of appeals below, no conflicts jurisdiction in the supreme court)
Allstate Ins. Co. v. Fleming, No. 05-0645 (Tex. Dec. 14, 2007)(per curiam)(petition for review interlocutory appeal dismissed for lack of conflicts jurisdiction; no dissent in the court below)Chambers v. John M. O'Quinn, No. 06-1073 (Tex. Dec. 14, 2007)(per curiam) (motion to compel arbitration, court of appeals erred in finding it lacked jurisdiction to review order compelling arbitration, legal malpractice)
Best Buy Co. v. Barrera, No. 07-0028 (Tex. Nov. 30, 2007)(per curiam)(consumer law, class de-certified)
In re McKee, MD, No. 06-0055 (Tex. Nov. 30, 2007)(per curiam)(ethics law, recusal of judge, administrative order)
Springer v. Springer, No. 06-0382 (Tex. Nov. 2, 2007)(per curiam)(appellate time table, deadlines for appeal)
Sprowl v. Payne, No. 06-0533 (Tex. Nov. 2, 2007)(per curiam)(appellate procedure, payment for record, indigence)
Knapp Medical Center v. De La Garza, No 06-0575 (Tex. Nov. 06-0575) (per curiam)(alleged Rule 11 agreement not enforceable because of noncompliance with requirements)
Bossier Chrysler-Dodge II, Inc. v. Rauschenberg, No. 06-0874 (Tex. Nov. 2, 2007)(per curiam)(should attorney's fees issue be remanded?)
In Re U.S. Home Corp, Lennar Corp et al, No. 03-1080 (Tex. Oct. 12, 2007)(per curiam)(arbitration, homeowner builder, residential construction defect)
In Re Sci Texas Funeral Services, Inc. No. 06-0385 (Tex. Oct. 12, 2007)(per curiam)(discovery sanctions, decertification)
BFI Waste Systems of North America, Inc. v. North Alamo Water Supply Corp., No. 06-0602 (Tex, Oct. 12, 2007)(per curiam)(contract law, breach of settlement agreement, excuse)
In re Merrill Lynch Trust Co., No. 03-1059 (Tex. Aug 31, 2007)(per curiam)(arbitration mandamus, financial services)
Ford v. Exxon Mobil Chemical Co., No. 06-0293 (Tex. Aug. 31, 2007)(per curiam)(real estate fraud, limitations)
Proulx v. Wells, No. 06-0258 (Tex. Aug 31, 2007)(per curiam)(service of citation, due diligence)In re Moore, No. 06-0544 (Tex. Aug. 31, 2007)(per curiam)(SAPCR, sanctions)
Stonebridge Life Ins. Co. v. Pitts, No. 06-0655 (Tex. Aug 31, 2007)(per curiam)(class action, insurance telemarketing)
In Re H&R Block No. 04-0061 (Tex. Aug. 24, 2007)(per curiam)(arbitration mandamus)
In re Kaplan Higher Educ. Corp., No. 06-0072 (Tex. Aug. 24, 2007)(per curiam)(arbitration mandamus)Fort Worth ISD v. Service Employment Redevelopment, No. 05-0427 (Tex. Aug. 24, 2007)(per curiam)(breach of contract claim immunity, Tooke)
Elledge v. Friberg-Cooper Water Supply Corp., No. 06-0677 (Tex. Aug. 24, 2007)(per curiam)(statute of limitations for unjust enrichment)
Ramos v. Richardson, No. 06-0336 (Tex. Jun. 29, 2007)(per curiam)(prisoner suit, timeliness of notice of appeal, mailbox rule)
Wilz v. Flournoy, No. 06-0913 (Tex. Jun. 29, 2007)(per curiam)(constructive trust, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, invocation of fifth amendment privilege in civil proceeding)
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. v. Mayes, No. 04-0993 (Tex. Jun 15, 2007)(per curiam)(premises liability)
Kallam, M.D. v. Boyd, No. 05-0027 (Tex. Jun. 15, 2007)(per curiam)(medical malpractice, HCLC)
Brinson Ford, Inc. v. Alger, No. 05-0722 (Tex. Jun. 15, 2007)(per curiam)(premises liability)
In Re Allstate County Mutual Ins. Co., No. 06-0878 (Tex. Jun. 15, 2007)(per curiam)(discovery limitations)
Bay Area Healthcare Group, Ltd. v. McShane, No. 05-1069 (Tex. Jun. 8, 2007)(per curiam)Hubicki v. Festina, a Liechtenstein Foundation, No. 05-0357 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)(default judgment, defective service)
City of Arlington v. Matthews, No. 06-0251 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)(Tooke)
City of Pasadena v. Kinsel Industries, No. 06-0353 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)(Tooke)
City of Elsa v. M.A.L., No. 06-0516 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)
Tellez v. City of Socorro, No. 05-0629 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)(zoning, jurisdiction)Dallas Fire Fighters Association v. City of Dallas, No. 04-0821 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)(Tooke)
Abilene Housing Authority v. Gene Duke Builders, No. 05-0631 (Tex. Jun. 1, 2007)(per curiam)(Tooke)
State of Texas v. Fidelity and Deposit Co. of Maryland, No. 04-0180 (Tex. May 4, 2007)(per curiam)(sovereign immunity to counterclaims waived by bringing suit)
U.S. v. Boateng, No. 05-0752 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(bill of review, sovereign immunity)
City of San Antonio v. Ytuarte, No. 05-0991 (Tex. May 4, 2007)(per curiam)(official immunity, good faith)
IRA Resources, Inc. v. Griego, No. 05-0469 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(special appearance)
Young v. Qualls, No. 05-1091 (Tex. May 4, 2007)(per curiam)(attorneys' fees)
South Texas Water Authority v. Lomas, No. 05-0855 (Tex. Apr. 27, 2007)(per curiam)(standing)
Holmes v. Kent, No. 04-0729 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(TRS benefits dispute)
Baylor Univ. v. Sonnichsen, No. 04-0851 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(employment dispute)
In Re RLS Legal Solutions, LLC., No. 05-0290 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(arbitration mandamus)Attorney Disqualfied - Mandamus Relief Warranted
In Re Michael Angelo Basco, No. 05-0771 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(disqualification of counsel, mandamus granted)
In Re Alvin Green, No. 06-0496 (Tex. Apr. 20, 2007)(per curiam)(contractual alimony not enforceable by contempt, habeas corpus granted)
In Re Ricky Derzapf, No. 06-0669 (Tex. Mar. 23, 2007)(per curiam)(family law, SAPCR, grandparent suit, parent prevails over grandparent custody claim, statutory criteria for grandparent access not satisfied, mandamus relief granted)
Zipp v. Alisa Wuemling, No. 05-0731 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(guardianship, ward, mootness issue, predecessor guardian, successor guardian of the person, the estate)
City of Dallas v. Saucedo-Falls, et al.; No. 05-0973 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(sovereign immunity; fire fighters given chance to argue waiver by conduct or statute on remand)
City of Sweetwater, Texas v. Waddell, et al: No. 05-1033 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(“sue and be sued” provision in charter does not waive city’s immunity under Tooke v. Mexia; firefighters given chance of argue new limited statutory immunity waiver on remand).
In Re Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT), No. 06-0289 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(mandamus granted to enforce mandatory venue provision of TTCA)
In Re Gillespie County, No. 06-00052 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(mandamus granted to enforce mandatory venue under TTCA) consolidated with In Re Texas Department of Transportation, No. 06-0289 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)
Jane Doe v. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, No. 06-0686 (Tex. Mar. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(severance, finality of judgement, order, appellate deadlines, timeliness of notice of appeal)
In Re Discount Rental, Inc., No. 05-0249 (Tex. Mar. 2, 2007)(per curiam)(restricted appeal, void judgment b/c of defective service, lack of authority to order sale, failure to supersede judgment, enforcement of judgment, writ of execution, return of the property.
Varner v. Cardenas, No. 06-0212 (Tex. Mar. 2, 2007)(per curiam)(attorney's fees)
Ontiveros v. Flores, No. 06-0607 (Tex. Mar. 2, 2007)(per curiam) Legal terms: appellate procedure, failure to preserve error, scope of relief on appeal, error preservation on appeal, waiver of error)
Hood v. Wal-Mart, No. 05-0902 (Tex. Feb. 23, 2007)(per curiam)(pro se, IFP, affidavit of indigence, no contest re: status, DWOP on appeal)
Higgins v. Randall County Sheriff's Office, 193 S.W.3d 898 (Tex. 2006)(arbitration)
In re Bank One, No. 06-0093 (Tex. Feb 23, 2007)(per curiam)Terms: arbitration case law, arbitration clause, Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), scope of arbitration agreement, presumption against waiver of right to arbitrate)
The City of Houston v. Williams, No. 06-0093 (Tex. Feb. 23, 2007)(per curiam)(sovereign immunity, cities, waiver, interlocutory appeal, ILA, conflicts jurisdiction, UDJA, declaratory relief, statutory waiver
City of San Antonio v. TPLP Office Park Properties, No. 04-1130 (Tex. Feb. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(takings claim, regulatory taking, land use, cities, zoning ordinance, traffic control, police power
Wachovia Bank v. Gilliam, No. 05-0903 (Tex. Feb. 9, 2007)(per curiam)(restricted appeal, default judgment, sufficiency of service of process on out-of-state defendant.
Jack in the Box, Inc. v. Skiles, No. 05-0911 (Tex. Feb 9, 2007)(per curiam)Terms: workplace safety, workplace injury, nonsubscriber, negligence, employer liability

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