Re: “5th Court Elections Are Exhibit A for Reform — Partisan voting swept in less-qualified GOP candidates,” Monday editorial.
Whether or not you agree with the outcome of the elections for the 5th District Court of Appeals, there’s no question that the court’s rulings have raised serious concerns.
Last December, the 5th Court made the Judicial Hellholes Watch List. The list is part of the American Tort Reform Foundation’s annual Judicial Hellholes report, which highlights courts and jurisdictions that fail to apply justice in a fair and just manner.
The court made the list for a series of liability expanding decisions and for its failure to adhere to Texas Supreme Court precedent, generating reversals by the high court. Despite the reversals, the 5th Court’s errors and questionable rulings have effectively burdened litigants with unnecessary costs and delays, which can end up costing us all as consumers, job seekers and more.
We’ll be watching to see if the recent elections will positively impact the 5th Court and address the serious concerns raised in the Judicial Hellholes report.
Robert Wood, Austin
Spokesman, Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse
Reprinted from the Dallas Morning News.
