The latest courts news from The Texas Tribune.
Advocates for domestic violence victims were stunned by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, which continued a string of court decisions citing the Second Amendment to erase gun restrictions. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/18545f41269580dc518cd5295966ebba/0324%20March%20for%20Our%20Lives%20SK%20TT%2001.jpg)
As Judge Janis Jack continues to threaten contempt-of-court fines in a federal lawsuit against the state’s foster care system, advocates say the case has moved the needle on reform — but it has come with a hefty price tag. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/5b255c6580ed1c474e225ba7361c1d7a/Caller%20File%20Judge%20Janis%20Jack%20TT.jpg)
In July, the Biden administration reminded pharmacies of their obligation to not discriminate in filling prescriptions, including for abortion-inducing drugs, many of which can be used to treat other conditions as well. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/676a390fd5003c61a847479ae8cabf45/Paxton%20Watch%20Party%20BT%20TT%2014.jpg)
A decision on the lawsuit could come as early as this week. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/ce9fd1eab3678d635c3c2c16b14ac077/SATX%20Roe%20Overturned%20KGB%2013.jpg)
Three of Paxton’s four former employees who sued him for unjustly firing them when they reported his actions to authorities are considering settling with the attorney general. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1ec1ddd064cd3e1bb80e4cd1894490e/SCOTUS%20Paxton%20Presser%20TT%20EL%2020.jpg)
Abbott lauded the efforts of the anti-abortion movement after a landmark year for opponents of the procedure. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b37abc4acd5d08c787a74ca28212e72/0128%20Tx%20Rally%20for%20Life%20MM%20TT%2028.jpg)
The judge warned the state could be held in contempt of court for not following through with three mandates: youths not knowing their rights, not adequately responding to abuse allegations and still having too many children without placement. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c095b9dfcf9b40a5ee2c10e4cd40e3ae/Texas%20DFPS%20EG%20TT%2017.jpg)
The airplane manufacturer was accused of fraud for misleading federal regulators about the safety of its jets, but stayed out of court by making a deal with prosecutors. Victims’ families say they were cut out of the process. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/0f19e67566f058ca90d13879fb08ea56/BOEING%20737%20MAX%20photo%20REUTERS.jpg)
Abbott doubles down on his long-standing call to lawmakers to prohibit local governments from enacting mask and vaccine mandates. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/46d57f0190ab11b05099b0bca6879dad/Abbott%20Vaccine%20Presser%20SF%20TT%2005.jpg)
The expected plea, announced by the accused shooter’s lawyer, comes after federal prosecutors took the death penalty off the table last week. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6dfa8b397ab3dd22a3a45521b2c93c80/El%20Paso%20Anniversary%20IPA%20TT%2009.jpg)
While Democrats and the far-right edge of the Republican Party remain focused on abortion, leaders in both chambers have not yet spent much time discussing the issue this session. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/5e4e97a9d5e86bf7fe2d346c9635fdb7/Rally%20for%20Life%20SK%20TT%2021.jpg)
In a fifth report tracking the state’s efforts to remedy its embattled foster care system, federal monitors documented persistent risks to Texas children ahead of next week’s court hearing. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/76ccafde0d80e8a0282b8fff582293b4/DFPS%20building%20LS%20TT%2001.jpg)
The federal government has largely avoided pursuing the death penalty under President Biden. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/ad9fe084e57851610147a3444d49e3fa/El%20Paso%20Shooting%20Day%20Two%20Photos%20Texas%20Tribune%20IPA%20TT%2008.JPG)
The decision from the state’s highest court would allow the TEA to move forward with its plan to replace Houston ISD’s school board members over low academic scores. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/0bd3f5b810239c599788d9ed782042f4/0109%20TSC%20ERCOT%20Hearing%20EL%20TT%2020.jpg)
The plaintiff is represented by a group created by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller and former Texas Solicitor General Jonathan Mitchell, the architect of the state’s six-week abortion ban. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/5ac008bd1fd6b847e0cce97aa40fa1e4/Stephen%20Miller%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg)
Many people and insurers sued the Electric Reliability Council of Texas after the 2021 freeze. The nonprofit says it shouldn’t be liable. The state Supreme Court has a chance to weigh in. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1dd4f5af8317203cf50b57bfd48971af/0109%20TSC%20ERCOT%20Hearing%20EL%20TT%2017.jpg)
Priscilla Villarreal was arrested over her Facebook postings. In a rare proceeding, the entire 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will weigh whether she can sue, a case that could have major ramifications for citizen journalists like her -- and professional ones. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/ebd0162f021704af277e94d541479f1e/Priscilla%20Villarreal%20SAENZ%20TT%2001.jpg)
From those who planted the seeds of Trump’s strategy to try to challenge the election, to others who sowed doubt and anger by spreading baseless election-fraud conspiracy theories, Texans played major roles in the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol two years ago. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f1d7796dc0f47f8acb6b7c5e2dc15ed6/TX%20Capitol%20Jan%206%20Anniversary%20Vigil%20JV%20TT%2017)
Students reported enduring racial slurs, the sounds of whips cracking and monkey noises as they walked down school hallways. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8d351040cb3cb312bf00742de20711af/0105%20Lubbock%20Cooper%20Racism%20MR%20TT%2004.jpg)
The Title X program has long provided free, confidential contraception to anyone, regardless of age, income or immigration status. A North Texas federal judge ruled in December that the program violates Texas law and parents’ rights. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5b12abf89a355f9b4ad0284ee0c1dcc/PlannedParenthood%20Birth%20Control%20TW%20TT%2002.jpg)