Hot Topics for Trial Lawyers

A compilation of journalistic articles to keep you abreast of changing developments and current events in the litigation realm. If you are interested in writing for this Hot Topics segment, email tnuckols@texasbar.com

TOPIC:

Complex Courts

Posted 1/7/08  

Perhaps the most controversial issue facing the SCAC these days is the creation of complex courts.  Despite the fact that the Texas Legislature was unable to pass a bill that would have created complex courts, Chief Justice Jefferson and Justice Hecht have asked the SCAC to consider a rule that would implement complex courts.

While no rule has been drafted yet, it is clear that certain Justices of the Supreme Court want a system that would allow parties to replace the sitting trial judge with a judge chosen by a court-appointed committee.  The question of whether “complex courts” are needed in Texas and, if so, how to implement such a court system is being studied by the State Bar’s Court Administration Task Force.  At this point, it is not clear whether a proposal for “complex courts” will be made by the Task Force nor is it clear whether the Supreme Court will institute a rule of procedure for “complex cases.” Stay tuned!

Alistair Dawson, Beck, Redden & Secrest, L.L.P.