Change Coming to Tenth Court

According to the Tex Parte Blog, Tenth Court of Appeals Justice Bill Vance (pictured) has announced that he will not seek a fourth term in 2008.  Justice Vance apparently dismissed any notion that his ongoing conflict with with Chief Justice Tom Gray played any part in his decision.

Sovereign Immunity Barred A&M Bonfire Claims

In Texas A&M University v. Bading, a case stemming from the 1999 Aggie bonfire disaster, the Waco Court of Appeals has reversed the trial court's denial of the University's plea to the jurisdiction based on sovereign immunity.  The appellees were defendants in wrongful death and personal injury actions who brought various claims against the University for(1) contribution and indemnity, (2) proportionate responsibility findings under Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, and (3) breach of contract.  Finding no statute or legislative resolution waiving the state's immunity, the appellate court rendered judgment dismissing these claims.