Amendments to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure Go into Force Today

Amendments to the federal rules of appellate procedure go into force today. This is a link to the rule changes. The most important changes will be to reducing word counts in briefs.

I feel forced to copy this here, because I don't know how long the Fifth Circuit's guidance about reducing word count and cases in briefing will be on the front of their web site.

Guidance regarding reduced word count and cases in briefing.

Reduced word counts became effective December 1, 2016, pursuant to changes to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. To ensure fairness to parties, for cases in briefing where an appellant filed a brief before December 1, 2016, and an appellee's brief will be due on or after December 1, 2016, the appellee's brief may use the former (greater) word count limitation, if necessary.  As the court continues to consider possible changes with respect to new word count limitations, counsel are invited to review Fifth Circuit Circuit Rule 32.4.

Fifth Circuit miscellaneous fees are going up.

Results of the Contested Texas Democratic Appeals Court Races

Texas Democrats had three contested appeals courts races.
In the Eighth Court of Appeals (El Paso) Place Three for the unexpired term of Steven Hughes, Gina M. Palafox led the five-way race, with Maria Ramirez-- apparently a El Paso municipal judge-- a close second for the runoff.

Leticia Hinojosa decisively beat Carlos Valdez for Greg Perkes's seat on the Thirteenth Court of Appeals in Corpus Christi and Edinburg. Houston's 14th Court of Appeals Place incumbent Jim Sharp was ousted by Candance White as the Democratic candidate for Place Two who will face Republican Kevin Jewell.