In re Motions for New Trial

It’s not a Dallas Court of Appeals case, but the Texas Supreme Court this morning issued an opinion further limiting a trial court’s discretion to grant a new trial. The Supreme Court had previously required trial courts to issue written explanations of their reasons for granting a motion for new trial. In re Columbia Med. Ctr. of Las Colinas, Subsidiary, L.P., 290 S.W.3d 204 (Tex. 2009). Now, the court has held that if the record does not support the trial court’s explanation, the appellate courts may grant mandamus relief and order the trial court to render judgment on the jury’s verdict.

In re Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., No. 10-0933