Designated for publication Engelhardt, J. (Smith, Haynes, Engelhardt) (oral argument), Haynes, J., dissenting; criminal, sentencing Vacating sentence of two consecutive 30-year terms for production of child pornography, and remanding for resentencing. David Koan pled guilty to two counts of production of child pornography under 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a). He had previously been sentenced in Texas … More October 1-2, 2026, opinions
Designated for publication per curiam (King, Smith, Ramirez) (oral argument), qualified immunity Reversing denial of qualified immunity, and rendering judgment dismissing claims against officer defendants. In February 2021, Harris County Constable’s officers responded to a 911 call about two men screaming outside a caller’s home; the caller reported having a weapon. Canine-handling Officer Johnson arrived … More September 2, 2026, opinions
Designated for publication Jones, J. (en banc; joined by Elrod, Smith, Willett, Ho, Duncan, Engelhardt, Oldham, Wilson) (oral argument); Southwick, J., concurring only in the holding that the court has jurisdiction to consider this appeal; Richman, J., concurring in part/dissenting in part; Haynes, J., dissenting (joined by Stewart, Graves, Higginson, Douglas, Ramirez); Higginson, J., dissenting … More March 30, 2026, opinions
Designated for publication Higginson, J. (King, Higginson, Wilson) (oral argument withdrawn), Title IX, costs Affirming costs award to defendant on plaintiffs’ Title IX claims. Eight former student-athletes on SMU’s women’s rowing team sued the university for gender-based discrimination under Title IX and negligence under Texas law, alleging that substandard coaching, athletic training, and medical treatment … More March 16, 2026, opinions
Designated for publication Engelhardt, J. (Dennis, Southwick, Engelhardt) (oral argument), Dennis, J., dissenting in part; First Amendment, sovereign immunity, standing Vacating injunction entered on First Amendment pre-enforcement challenge brought by drag performer and organizations against Texas law regulating “sexually oriented performances on public property and in the presence of minors”; and remanding for further proceedings. … More November 6, 2025, opinions
Designated for publication deGravelles, J. (Haynes, Engelhardt, deGravelles, by designation), maritime law, punitive damages Affirming the judgment after a bench trial that defendant had wrongfully arrested and detained the plaintiff’s vessel after ramming it and preventing its departure from the defendant’s shipyard for five days, that punitive damages were justified, and that prejudgment interest was … More October 16-17, 2023, opinions
