TexSupp | A Texas practice resource provided by the Baylor Law Review

DNA – Intimate Information or Trash for Public Consumption?

This essay discusses the increasingly popular police practice of covertly collecting DNA samples from people who inadvertently leave saliva, hair or other biological matter in public places. This practice was recently highlighted in the New York Times. The essay contends that although the United States Supreme Court has yet to decide whether the practice is constitutional, well-established Fourth Amendment principles of “abandonment” supply the necessary framework to permit the practice and simultaneously protect citizen privacy. Read the entire article »

References: Essays, Privacy Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law

Planes, Trains, and Inefficiencies: An Analysis of the Proposed Delta-Northwest Airlines Merger and Its Effects on Consumers

Recently, officials at Delta Airlines announced a proposed merger between Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines. The cumulative effect of the proposed merger would create the largest airline in the world. Delta’s pilot union declared that “[t]he merged Delta will be a more stable, financially durable and investable airline that will provide benefit to Delta and Northwest employees, the communities we serve and, importantly, the traveling public.” Many, however, are not so optimistic. This article will briefly discuss: (1) airline deregulation and current market conditions in the airline industry; (2) possible antitrust ramifications; and (3) rights consumers have when “flying the friendly skies.” Read the entire article »

References: Consumer Protection Law, Essays, Aviation Law, Antitrust Law

The Litigation Privilege

A litigator, like any other professional, sometimes finds him/herself as a defendant in a lawsuit. But sometimes, the person bringing the suit is not an unhappy former client alleging malpractice, but an unhappy former opponent alleging wrongful conduct in prior litigation. Generally, the former opponent believes that the lawyer filed a frivolous case, frivolous motions, or otherwise engaged in wrongful litigation conduct. Read the entire article »

References: Professional Malpractice Law, Essays