Courts
State court calls city's convention center ballot language 'misleading'
The 3rd Court of Appeals has ruled that the city must make two changes to recently approved ballot language related to an attempt to limit city spending on the Austin Convention Center. In a ruling issued Thursday, the court of…
Courts • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 23, 2019
Convention center opponents challenge city's language on ballot measure
The president of the Austin NAACP has petitioned the Texas Supreme Court over the ballot language approved by City Council last week related to a challenge to a planned expansion of the Austin Convention Center. The Tuesday filing by Nelson…
Courts • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 15, 2019
SOS, Save Oak Hill sue TxDOT, other agencies
Two different lawsuits were filed Monday seeking to change the Texas Department of Transportation’s plans for the Oak Hill Parkway. One suit emphasizes protection of endangered species; the second seeks to change the design of the parkway, not only for…
Courts • By Jo Clifton • Jul 31, 2019
Opponents plan lawsuit over Hill Country pipeline's impact on endangered birds
A new front has opened in the legal battle against a proposed, 430-mile natural gas pipeline through the Texas Hill Country, focusing on how the project will impact the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Hays County, the Travis Audubon Society and private…
Courts • By Mose Buchele, KUT • Jul 18, 2019
State Bar accepts complaint against former assistant city attorney
The State Bar of Texas has determined it will be pursuing a formal investigation of former Assistant City Attorney Brent Lloyd. Lloyd was the subject of a complaint filed last month by Board of Adjustment Chair William Burkhardt and former…
Courts • By Jessi Devenyns • Jul 3, 2019
Landowners, pipeline company meet in court today
Attorneys for Hill Country landowners along with the city of Kyle and Hays County have prepared for a fight this morning with lawyers for Kinder Morgan Texas Pipeline and the Texas Railroad Commission over the route of the proposed natural…
Courts • By Jo Clifton • May 28, 2019
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Casar to pay Pressley's court fees, but they're not much
When Council Member Greg Casar filed the report on his special officeholder account on Jan. 15, it showed just $321.91 in the account. The purpose of that account has been to help Casar pay the legal fees in the lawsuit…
Courts • By Jo Clifton • Mar 18, 2019
Council rules unlikely to change despite opinion
Despite a ruling by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals dismantling a provision of the Texas Open Meetings Act that prevents local government officials from meeting in small groups in what is known as a “walking quorum,” it seems unlikely…
Courts • By Jo Clifton • Mar 12, 2019
Sexual assault survivor accuses Travis County prosecutor of lying about her case
Lawyers for a woman who says she was sexually assaulted in Austin are asking a court to force Travis County prosecutors to answer questions and provide evidence after learning of a prosecutor’s phone call they say defames the woman. Emily…
Courts • By Nadia Hamdan • Mar 5, 2019
Legal fight over Planning Commission likely to continue
The city of Austin does not appear any closer to resolving a legal challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton over the composition of its Planning Commission. So far, nobody on City Council has proposed removing any members in response to…
Courts • By Jack Craver • Feb 21, 2019
In search of the best ‘yes’ for indigent defense
In the search of a best path forward, Travis County is at risk of losing momentum toward better indigent defense if the various interested parties can’t find a middle ground. The county’s Indigent Legal Services work group has composed a…
Courts • By Ryan Thornton • Feb 20, 2019
City Council approves settlement with Austin Country Club
City Council endorsed a settlement Thursday aimed at ending litigation between the city and the Austin Country Club. At issue is whether the club – which is expanding its clubhouse and adding a new dining facility, and likely plans to…
