Texas appeals court cancels oral arguments after election changes justices

Who's involved

• 15th Court of Appealscourt that canceled oral arguments
• Justice Scott FieldJustice on the 15th Court of Appeals
• Texas Department of State Health Servicesissued THC regulations under challenge

The facts

• Voters ousted all three Republican justices on the 15th Court of Appeals in Tuesday's election.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Three Democratic justices will take office on the 15th Court of Appeals in early January.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• The court canceled oral arguments for four cases set for Dec. 8 and 9.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• The 15th Court of Appeals has statewide jurisdiction over challenges to state laws and regulations.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• One canceled case involves a challenge to state rules limiting hemp-derived THC product sales.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• A Travis County district judge temporarily blocked the THC regulations on April 10.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• There are 39 cases before the outgoing justices awaiting opinions on already argued cases.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Justice Scott Field The court canceled oral arguments to avoid wasting lawyers' time if the new court also wants to hear argument.^{1 2}
• Industry leaders The increased licensing fees amounted to a ban by forcing businesses to close.^{1 2}