Dear CHatGPT: What is the history of the common law? What is the content of the common law?

 What is the history of the common law?

The history of the common law stretches back over a thousand years and is deeply rooted in English legal development. Here's a concise overview of its evolution:

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1. Anglo-Saxon Period (before 1066)

• Law was localized and based on customs and tribal traditions.

• Justice was administered in local courts (hundred courts and shire courts), often presided over by elders or nobles.

• There was no unified legal system—each region could have different rules.

---

2. Norman Conquest and Early Royal Influence (1066–1154)

• William the Conqueror centralized power, laying the groundwork for a more uniform system.

• Royal authority began to supersede local customs.

• Domesday Book (1086) was a record of landholding used for taxation and governance—an example of centralized control.

---

3. Henry II and the Birth of the Common Law (1154–1189)

• Henry II established a more consistent and professional royal court system.

• Itinerant justices (royal judges) traveled the country, applying a uniform set of principles.

• Precedents began to form as judges referred to past decisions.

• The concept of “common law” emerged—law that was common to the entire realm, as opposed to local customs.

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4. Magna Carta (1215)

• Signed by King John, it limited royal power and guaranteed rights like due process.

• Reinforced the idea that even the king must obey the law.

• Influential in developing principles like habeas corpus and trial by jury.

---

5. Development of Legal Reporting and Precedent (13th–16th centuries)

• Judges' decisions were recorded in Year Books and later law reports.

• The principle of stare decisis (to stand by things decided) became foundational—past rulings guide future cases.

• Courts like the Court of Common Pleas, King’s Bench, and Exchequer evolved with specialized jurisdictions.

---

6. Equity and the Court of Chancery (14th–17th centuries)

• The common law became rigid and technical.

• Petitioners appealed to the King for justice; these were handled by the Chancellor.

• This gave rise to equity law, which emphasized fairness and was administered in the Court of Chancery.

• Common law and equity developed separately until they were merged in most jurisdictions (e.g., in England by the Judicature Acts of 1873–75).

---

7. Colonial Expansion and Export of Common Law (16th–19th centuries)

• England exported common law to its colonies, including the United States, Canada, India, and Australia.

• Local adaptations occurred, but the foundational structure of judge-made law and precedent remained.

---

8. Modern Developments (19th century–present)

• Codification occurred in some areas (e.g., contract, tort, and criminal law), but the core of judge-made law remains central.

• The United States, while developing its own distinct legal doctrines, remains a common law country, except for Louisiana, which retains civil law influence.

• Case law, legal reasoning, and precedent still form the backbone of common law systems today.

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Key Features of the Common Law Tradition

• Judge-made law through decisions.

• Reliance on precedent (past judicial decisions).

• A system of adversarial trials.

• Flexibility and adaptability through case-by-case evolution.

---

What is the content of the common law?

The content of the common law refers to the body of legal principles, rules, and doctrines developed over time by judicial decisions, rather than written statutes or constitutions. It covers a wide range of subjects and governs both civil and criminal matters. Here's a breakdown of the main categories and substantive content of the common law:

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⚖️ Core Areas of the Common Law

1. Tort Law

• Governs civil wrongs where one party causes harm to another.

• Common torts:

  • Negligence (e.g., car accidents)

  • Battery and assault

  • Defamation (libel and slander)

  • Nuisance (interference with property)

  • Trespass (to person or property)

• Focus: compensating victims and deterring harmful conduct.

---

2. Contract Law

• Governs agreements between private parties.

• Common doctrines:

  • Offer and acceptance

  • Consideration (something of value exchanged)

  • Capacity and legality

  • Breach and remedies (e.g., damages, specific performance)

• Focus: enforcing promises and ensuring reliability in transactions.

---

3. Property Law

• Governs ownership and use of land and personal property.

• Topics include:

  • Possession, title, and ownership

  • Leases, easements, and covenants

  • Adverse possession

  • Estates and tenures

• Focus: protecting property rights and regulating land use.

---

4. Criminal Law

• Governs offenses against the state or public order.

• Core principles:

  • Mens rea (criminal intent)

  • Actus reus (criminal act)

  • Presumption of innocence

• Common law crimes (some now codified):

  • Murder

  • Theft

  • Burglary

  • Arson

• Focus: punishing wrongdoing and maintaining public safety.

---

5. Equity

• A body of rules developed to supplement and correct the rigid common law.

• Administered by courts of chancery or equity.

• Key doctrines:

  • Injunctions (court orders to do or stop doing something)

  • Specific performance (forcing parties to fulfill contracts)

  • Trusts and fiduciary duties

  • Equitable estoppel

• Focus: fairness, conscience, and justice.

---

6. Procedural Law (Common Law Procedure)

• Governs how cases are brought, tried, and appealed.

• Includes:

  • Rules of evidence

  • Burden and standard of proof

  • Jury trial rights

  • Appeals and writs (e.g., habeas corpus, certiorari)

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🧠 Principles and Features of Common Law Content

• Precedent (Stare Decisis): Past judicial decisions guide future rulings.

• Case-by-Case Development: Legal rules evolve through individual judgments.

• Judicial Reasoning: Opinions explain the rationale, creating generalizable rules.

• Incremental Change: Common law adapts gradually, not all at once.

• Custom and Usage: Some rules are rooted in longstanding social practices.

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📜 Modern Status

While many common law rules have been codified in statutes, common law still fills in the gaps and interprets legislation. Courts today continue to:

• Develop doctrines not covered by legislation.

• Clarify ambiguous statutes using common law principles.

• Apply equitable remedies.

Links 6/12/2025

- Browse the United States Code.

- Texas Hemp Business Council. 

- 149th District Court.

- New poll finds Republican primary voters are split on THC ban as Abbott weighs veto.

- Texas Specialty Courts Get National Recognition!

- Relating to the provision of telepharmacy services.

- Relating to legalizing the sale of real estate which belong to Stephens County, in and near the town of Breckenridge, Stephens County, Texas.

State and local info from the Houston Chronicle - mostly local

- Houston ISD unanimously approves $2.1 billion budget with new board members.

- Houston police use a powerful surveillance tool to track vehicles. But they're not explaining why.

- Unchecked Forces.

- Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker plans to run for Lina Hidalgo's Harris County judge seat.

- Harris County is facing a $270 million deficit. Judge Lina Hidalgo says a tax hike is a possibility.

- Third Ward civic leaders demand action for Emancipation Avenue nightlife disturbances.

- Is Houston's noise ordinance working? Here's what the data shows.

- Harris County officials appoint Judge Genesis Draper as new chief public defender.

- Ken Paxton, other Republicans, to blame for demise of Uplift Harris, officials say.

- Whitmire announces traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing speeding, road rage on I-45, U.S. 59.

 

From the Houston Chronicle: New poll finds Republican primary voters are split on THC ban as Abbott weighs veto

Republican primary voters will determine whether Greg Abbott gets nominated to appear on the general election ballot in 2026. He has to consider this as he decides if he should veto the THC ban.

- Click here for the article.  

A new poll of Republican primary voters released Wednesday found slightly more opposed to Texas’ proposed THC ban than in favor, with a majority saying they believed the ban would push users to the black market.

The survey, that was commissioned by the Texas Hemp Business Council and in the field from June 2 to 4, found that 45% opposed a ban on THC and 35% in support. Another 21% answered “don’t know.”

Republican base voters “consistently align with allowing military veterans who need legal hemp products to access it for their chronic pain, and prioritizing law enforcement stopping violent crime and protecting our border over banning hemp,” said Chris Perkins, a partner with the GOP pollster Ragnar Research, which conducted the poll.

When asked if the market should be regulated to allow only adult access, support for THC rose to 63%. GOP households with active-duty or veteran members were more likely to oppose the ban than others. 53% of respondents said they believed the ban would create opportunities for drug cartels, and 55% believed it would increase black market sales.

The fresh findings come as Gov. Greg Abbott is under enormous pressure from the hemp industry and veterans groups to veto the THC ban. The legislation, which passed both the Texas Senate and House with large majorities, would quash the state’s booming hemp industry, including all sales in gummy, flower, and beverage forms.

A message for people like me from the Texas Community College Teachers Association

I'm going to start discussing your answers to the "what i wanna be" assignment soon. This will lead to a further discussion about what interest groups represent that profession before Congress and the Texas Legislature. 

The interest group that represents my profession is TCCTA - the Texas Community College Teachers Association.

Each time the legislature meets their lobbyist follows - and tries to influence - legislation that could impact me. Here's what he sent out just before the end of the most recent session: 

Hello TCCTA members,
I'm passing along a legislative update from Beaman. Thank you, Beaman, for all your hard work, even on weekends, even during holidays, representing us. We appreciate you! I'm forwarding from Beaman:


"The 89th Regular Session is almost over, with most of the major policy bills related to higher education now settled. Below please find updates on the two critical bills we have ben following the past few weeks. We will provide a more complete list of bills and their fates once we get into the veto period in the next few weeks.

SB 37

SB 37, the omnibus higher education reform bill, is now finally passed and on the Governor’s desk. As with the big reform bills from last session, this bill underwent substantial back and forth changes all the way through the session, including in a late conference committee. The House generally turned most of the curriculum and hiring review provisions back to the internal operations of the institution. Similarly, the external curriculum review committee that was originally heavily staffed by political appointments but the Governor will now be composed of nominees from institutional chancellors, presidents, and provosts, and will include an equal number of 2 year and 4 year college recommendations. The “ombudsman” office section went through several back and forth changes, with the ultimate result of the office maintaining strong investigative powers, but being somewhat restricted both in the source of complaints, their regulatory powers. Importantly, provisions linking the office to the Office of the Attorney General were eliminated.

Sadly, the one area of clear agreement between the Senate and House was the faculty senate provision, which was virtually identical in every House and Senate version of the bill. As a reminder, the provision defines faculty senates and a creation of the institution’s board, limits them to 60 members, provides that the officers are named by the institution’s presidents, and requires that at least one member from every college or school at an institution be appointed by the president rather than elected by faculty peers. The bill language pointedly defines decisions of faculty senates as advisory only.
Interestingly, the bill went to conference committee over language related to critical race theory (Sec 51.315(b)(5)). That language was removed at the request of proponents of the legislation when they became concerned that the language could have unintended consequences for conservative ideas or could create a potential constitutional challenge for the entire bill. The removal of (b)(5) was the only change in conference committee.

In my opinion, the greatest effect this bill will have is on institutional boards and presidents. Though the powers enumerated in the bill are startling, it does not confer authority on boards or presidents that they did not already potentially have, had they chosen to exercise them. However, by statutorily mandating those powers and, in many instances, their use, the boards and presidents will likely now be held directly responsible for using those powers in the areas of curriculum, shared governance, and faculty relations. Given some of the well documented instances of political pressure on institutional decision making in the past few years, one may easily see how this bill will create a direct political avenue into institutions and a challenge to both boards and presidents to use the powers explicitly described by SB 37 to meet political expectations. The real determining factor of the impact of SB 37 will be the discipline, or lack thereof, of boards and presidents to resist political pressure in defense of institutional autonomy and academic freedom.


SB 2615

SB 2615 was concurred with by the Senate, and is on the Governor’s desk. The original bill was a draconic elimination of remote work in higher education without any clear regard to either efficiency or the varied work conditions that exist in our complicated institutions. During the bill’s journey through the legislative process, several exceptions were added as needs were explained to legislators. Amendments included two late floor amendments in the House. One dealt with telework in instances of emergency or catastrophe. The other sought to further clarify the exemption related to dual credit. Though the bill was somewhat improved in the process, it will likely have a serious negative impact, particularly in the area of hybrid work not associated with dual credit, and, because of the targeted and gratuitous restrictions on our flexibility, in recruiting and program design for our institutions.
Both of these bills will involve complex implementation. We will need to consider our strategies for working with institutional leadership, both at our schools and in the public policy space, as we move forward in the interim.

National and state legislative districts in Texas

For the Source of these files click here. 

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2025/supreme-court-cases-decisions/

Links 6/10/25

- Homeowner Association.

- City of Pearland: Departments.

- City of Pearland: Code of Ordinances.

- Brazoria County (scroll over departments)

- History of Slave Freedom Suits in Missouri.

- Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857).

- EDUCATION CODE - ALTERNATIVE SETTINGS FOR BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT.

- Trump Renaming Gulf Of Mexico To ‘Gulf Of America.’ Here’s What He Can—And Can’t—Do.

- Texas Law Says Jury Panels Must Be Chosen Randomly. A Brazoria County Official Had a Different Idea.

- Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election to fill U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s seat.

- Jury Services.

- Why We Should Never Pay Down the National Debt.

- The U.S. National Debt Dilemma.

- Randolph family of Virginia.

- Edmund Randolph.

- State capacity.

- When have presidents called in the National Guard to quell domestic unrest?

Dear ChatGPT: What is the Law? What is the Common Law?

What is the law?

ChatGPT said:

The law is a system of rules created and enforced by a governing authority to regulate behavior within a society. It defines what people can and cannot do, outlines rights and responsibilities, and provides mechanisms to resolve disputes and impose penalties for violations.

Key Aspects of the Law:

1. Sources of Law:

   • Constitutions – foundational documents that set up the structure and powers of government (e.g., the U.S. Constitution).

   • Statutes – laws passed by legislatures (e.g., Congress or state legislatures).

   • Regulations – rules made by executive agencies based on statutory authority.

   • Case Law (Common Law) – interpretations and rulings made by courts that set legal precedents.

   • Local Ordinances – laws enacted by city or county governments.

2. Purposes of Law:

   • Maintain order and public safety.

   • Protect individual rights and liberties.

   • Settle disputes fairly.

   • Promote the common good and justice.

3. Types of Law:

   • Criminal Law – defines offenses against society and prescribes punishments.

   • Civil Law – governs relationships between individuals or organizations (e.g., contracts, property, family law).

   • Administrative Law – governs the actions of governmental agencies.

   • Constitutional Law – interprets and applies constitutions.

   • International Law – deals with laws between nations and international entities.

4. Enforcement and Interpretation:

   • Enforced by police, regulatory agencies, and other executive bodies.

   • Interpreted and applied by judges and courts.

In short, law is the framework that allows society to function in an organized and predictable way, balancing individual freedoms with collective responsibility.

What is the Common Law?

ChatGPT said:

Common law is a legal system and a source of law that is primarily based on judicial decisions and precedents rather than written statutes or codes. It originated in England and is now used in many countries, including the United States (except Louisiana), Canada, Australia, and others.

Key Features of Common Law:

1. Judge-Made Law:

   • In common law systems, judges make legal decisions in individual cases, and those decisions become part of the law.

   • These rulings create precedents (called case law) that other courts follow in future similar cases.

2. Doctrine of Precedent (Stare Decisis):

   • Courts are expected to follow the legal principles established in prior decisions by higher or equal courts in the same jurisdiction.

   • This ensures consistency and predictability in the law.

3. Flexibility:

   • Unlike rigid codes, common law evolves over time as courts interpret and adapt the law to new situations.

   • Judges can distinguish cases or overrule old precedents if societal values or facts change.

4. Supplement to Statutory Law:

   • In modern systems, common law works alongside statutory law (laws passed by legislatures).

   • Courts interpret statutes and fill in the gaps where no law exists.

5. Contrast with Civil Law Systems:

   • Civil law (used in most of Europe, Latin America, etc.) relies more on comprehensive legal codes and less on judicial precedent.

   • Judges in civil law systems apply written laws more directly, with less freedom to interpret or create law.

Example:

If a court rules that a business was negligent in a certain type of customer injury case, future courts may apply the same reasoning in similar negligence cases unless a higher court changes the rule or the legislature passes a new law.

In summary, common law is law developed through judicial decisions over time, and it plays a central role in shaping the legal rules used in many English-speaking countries.

The Posse Commitatus Act

- Click here for it.

- Posse Commitatus.

"power of the county"

"force of the county/region"

From the New York Times: White House Pushes Texas to Redistrict, Hoping to Blunt Democratic Gains

Texas did this in 2003, so it's not unprecedwented. Neither is it illegal, but it may not be a wise move: 

- Click here for the article. 

President Trump’s political team is encouraging Republican leaders in Texas to examine how House district lines in the state could be redrawn ahead of next year’s midterm elections to try to save the party’s endangered majority, according to people in Texas and Washington who are familiar with the effort.

The push from Washington has unnerved some Texas Republicans, who worry that reworking the boundaries of Texas House seats to turn Democratic districts red by adding reliably Republican voters from neighboring Republican districts could backfire in an election that is already expected to favor Democrats.

Rather than flip the Democratic districts, new lines could endanger incumbent Republicans.

But a person close to the president, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to talk publicly, nevertheless urged a “ruthless” approach and said Mr. Trump would welcome any chance to pick up seats in the midterms. The president would pay close attention to those in his party who help or hurt that effort, the person warned.

At an “emergency” meeting on Monday night in the Capitol, congressional Republicans from Texas professed little interest in redrawing their districts, according to a person briefed on the gathering who was not authorized to comment publicly. The 20-minute meeting, organized by Representative Michael McCaul, a senior member of the state delegation, focused on the White House push.

Representative Pete Sessions, Republican of Texas, said lawmakers plan to gather again to share data and “be on the same page” on the possible redrawing of the map.

For more: Texas’ GOP congressional delegation meets to discuss redrawing districts ahead of midterms.

Also: 

- Gerrymandering.

 

 

 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/06/climate/trump-coal-gas-plants-energy-emergency.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/09/trump-emergencies-protests-deportations-tariffs/

Dear ChatGPT: What are Emergency Powers?

Emergency powers are special, temporary powers granted to government officials—typically the executive branch (like a president or governor)—to respond quickly and effectively to a crisis. These powers allow leaders to take actions that might normally be restricted or require longer legislative processes.

Key Features of Emergency Powers:

1. Triggered by a Crisis
   Emergency powers are invoked during times of war, natural disasters, public health emergencies, civil unrest, or other major threats.

2. Expanded Authority
   Leaders may bypass usual legal or constitutional limits. For example, they may:

   • Impose curfews or quarantines

   • Reallocate funds without legislative approval

   • Restrict movement or gatherings

   • Seize property or supplies

   • Issue executive orders with the force of law

3. Legal Basis
   These powers are typically grounded in constitutional clauses, statutes, or court interpretations. For example:

   • In the U.S., Congress has passed laws like the National Emergencies Act.

   • State constitutions or laws give governors similar authority.

4. Checks and Limits
   Emergency powers are not unlimited:

   • They are often time-bound.

   • Legislatures or courts can review, revoke, or limit them.

   • They must generally align with constitutional rights (though courts may allow temporary restrictions).

5. Examples

   • COVID-19 pandemic: Governors closed schools and businesses.

   • Hurricane response: Presidents declare disaster areas to mobilize federal aid.

   • 9/11 attacks: The president expanded surveillance and military actions under emergency authority.

Concerns

While emergency powers allow fast action, they can be controversial:

• Risk of abuse (e.g., prolonging emergencies to retain power)

• Civil liberties may be restricted

• Lack of oversight or accountability

In short, emergency powers help governments act decisively during crises but must be carefully monitored to protect democratic principles.

Dear ChatGPT: Why isn't Puerto Rico a state?

 Puerto Rico is not a U.S. state due to a combination of historical, political, legal, and cultural factors. Here's a breakdown:

---

1. Historical Background

• The U.S. acquired Puerto Rico from Spain in 1898 after the Spanish-American War through the Treaty of Paris.

• It has remained a U.S. territory since then, governed by federal law but not fully integrated as a state.

---

2. Territorial Status

• Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory, meaning it's controlled by the U.S. but not on a path to automatic statehood.

• Residents are U.S. citizens, but:

  • They cannot vote for President in general elections.

  • They have no voting representation in Congress (only a non-voting Resident Commissioner).

  • Federal laws apply, but not all constitutional rights are fully guaranteed.

---

3. Self-Determination and Referenda

Puerto Rico has held multiple non-binding referenda on its political status:

Year	Option with Most Votes	Notes
1967	Commonwealth	Statehood was second
1993	Commonwealth (by a tiny margin)	Close three-way split
1998	“None of the Above”	Protest vote due to wording issues
2012	Statehood (61% of those choosing an option)	Turnout was 54%
2017	Statehood (97%)	Boycotted by opposition parties
2020	Statehood (52.5%)	Turnout was 55%

Despite these, Congress has ultimate authority to admit a new state — and has not acted.

---

4. Congressional Inaction

• Only Congress can admit new states under Article IV, Section 3 of the Constitution.

• There is no consensus in Congress on granting Puerto Rico statehood, due to:

  • Partisan concerns (statehood could shift the balance of power).

  • Economic implications (questions about tax structure, federal funding).

  • Unclear public mandate (due to referenda turnout and disagreement on interpretation).

---

5. Local Divisions in Puerto Rico

There is no unified consensus in Puerto Rico:

• Some support statehood.

• Others prefer enhanced commonwealth status (more autonomy).

• Some advocate for full independence.

This lack of agreement complicates negotiations with Congress.

---

6. Cultural and Linguistic Identity

• Spanish is the dominant language.

• Puerto Rico has a distinct culture and national identity.

• Some residents fear statehood might erode this identity.

---

Summary

Puerto Rico isn’t a state because:

• It’s a U.S. territory by design.

• Congress hasn’t acted on statehood.

• There’s divided opinion both locally and federally.

• Complex political and cultural concerns remain unresolved.

Dear CHatGPT: Has a governor ever denied extradition in the United States?

Yes, governors in the United States have denied extradition requests, although it is rare and often politically controversial. Extradition between states is governed by the U.S. Constitution (Article IV, Section 2) and the Extradition Act of 1793, which require states to cooperate in returning fugitives. However, governors technically have some discretion in handling these requests.

Notable Examples:

1. Governor Jerry Brown (California, 2013)

• Case: Extradition request from Utah for a man convicted of violating probation related to polygamy.

• Action: Brown denied extradition, citing California's differing view on polygamy and concerns over fairness.

2. Governor Jesse Ventura (Minnesota, 2002)

• Case: Refused to extradite a Somali man accused of murder in Ohio.

• Reason: Concerned about the fairness of the trial process and due process rights in Ohio.

3. Governor Rick Perry (Texas, 2014)

• Case: Delayed the extradition of a man accused of murder in New Mexico.

• Action: Perry initially delayed but did not ultimately deny it permanently. However, it drew attention to gubernatorial discretion.

Can Governors Legally Deny Extradition?

• The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Kentucky v. Dennison (1861) that governors were not legally compelled to comply.

• This was overturned by Puerto Rico v. Branstad (1987), where the Court held that federal courts can compel a governor to extradite a fugitive, reinforcing national unity under the Constitution.

Summary:

While governors can and have denied or delayed extradition, they may be forced by federal courts to comply if challenged. Denials usually involve political, legal, or humanitarian concerns, but they are not absolute or final under current law.

From the Houston Chronicle: Key bills that passed and failed in the Texas Legislature.

 Houston Chronicle: Key bills that passed and failed in the Texas Legislature.

What passed: 
- SB 2: Private school vouchers
- HB 2: Teacher pay raises
- SB 3: THC ban
- SB 10: Ten Commandments in schools
- SB 17: Ban on foreign land ownership
- SJR 5: Bail crackdown
- SB 22: Film incentives
- HB 46: Medical marijuana expansion
- HB 1481: Cell phone restrictions in schools
- SB 4: Property tax cuts 
- HJR 7/SB 7: Billions for water security
- SB 38: Squatters crackdown
- SB 3070: Lottery reform
- SB 379: Food stamps

What Failed: 

- SB 240: Bathroom bill

- SB30 and SB39: Tort reform

- SB 2010: Guaranteed income ban

- HB 5138: AG election fraud cases

- SB 2880: Abortion pill crackdown

- SB 16: Voter ID requirements

- HB 186: Ban on social media for minors

- HB 4: STAAR test overhaul

- SB 19: Ban on taxpayer lobbyists

Houston Chronicle: Abbott's comptroller pick will shape the rollout of Texas private school vouchers

A story about Texas' plural executive, as well as the governor's power to full vacancies. 

- Click here for the article.  

Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to choose a new state comptroller in the next few weeks, who will have an outsized role in the state’s rollout of private school vouchers.

The next comptroller is tasked with everything from marketing the program, which gives students around $10,500 a year to put toward private education, to running the lottery to determine who gets the funds.

Glenn Hegar is stepping down from the job this month after being named chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Abbott can appoint his replacement, and with the legislative session wrapping up, his pick will avoid a Senate confirmation battle.

The stakes will be unusually high — for Abbott and his pick.

“Personnel is policy. Having the right people in the right place means you get the policy implemented in the way that you want,” said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political scientist at the University of Houston. “The controversy about vouchers is the potential for there to be a spiraling cost and for it to be applied in an unfair way. The governor has to put someone in place who will watch those numbers carefully.”

Abbott has yet to hint who he will choose to carry out his signature issue. The statewide position is up for election next year, and several Republicans are already campaigning for the job. They include Christi Craddick, chair of the Texas Railroad Commission, and Don Huffines, who served in the Texas Senate and ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022.

Many others are likely angling to run — or to catch the governor’s eye and get an early entry in the role.

 

 

 Houston's East End is booming with new housing. Why is it losing residents?

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/2025/houston-east-end-gentrification/

 

 Legislators give Texas Space Commission $300M for grants and the power to close highways and beaches

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/space/article/texas-space-commission-grant-road-beach-spacex-20353207.php

 Texas lawmakers push off big home insurance relief: 'Nothing was done'

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/home-insurance-bills-20347531.php

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/06/trump-executive-orders-strategy/

Dear ChatGPT: What privileges and immunities do residents of US territories lack?

Residents of U.S. territories—such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands—are U.S. citizens or nationals, but they do not enjoy all the same privileges and immunities as residents of the 50 states. Key differences include:

---

⚖️ 1. Limited Constitutional Rights

• Insular Cases Doctrine (early 1900s): The Supreme Court ruled that not all constitutional rights automatically apply in unincorporated territories.

  • Example: Certain rights in the Bill of Rights, such as a jury trial, may not be guaranteed.

  • The Constitution applies only partially and "as locally applicable."

---

🗳️ 2. No Voting Representation in Congress

• Territories send non-voting delegates to the U.S. House of Representatives.

  • These delegates can debate and serve on committees but cannot vote on final passage of legislation.

• Territories have no representation in the Senate.

---

🗳️ 3. No Electoral Votes for President

• Residents of U.S. territories cannot vote for President in the general election, because only states and D.C. have Electoral College votes.

  • Even though they may participate in presidential primaries, their votes do not count in the general election.

---

💵 4. Reduced Access to Federal Benefits

• Many federal programs apply differently or not at all:

  • Medicaid: Capped and less generous.

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Not available in Puerto Rico and most territories (a key case: United States v. Vaello Madero, 2022).

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC): Often limited or excluded.

---

📜 5. Uncertain Citizenship Status in American Samoa

• American Samoans are U.S. nationals, not citizens by birth.

  • They can live and work in the U.S. but cannot vote or hold certain federal jobs unless they naturalize.

---

🌐 6. Limited Judicial Access

• Territorial residents may not have access to a federal district court with Article III status.

  • Some territorial courts are governed by local law and not the full U.S. federal judiciary system.

How often are executions delayed at the last minute

 waiting for the governor or the courts

 

 

Can the president rename the Gulf of Mexico?

Links 6/6/25

- Pearland, Texas.

- Alvin, Texas.

- Texas Legislature - Bills By Subject: Artificial Intelligence.

- Moses Austin.

- City of Houston sues two affordable apartment complexes over nuisance claims.

- nuisance.

- SUIT TO ABATE CERTAIN COMMON NUISANCES.

- OCCUPATIONS CODE - PROFESSIONS RELATED TO USE OF CERTAIN MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.

- OCCUPATIONS CODE - NURSING PEER REVIEW.

- Barnes v. Felix.

- The Fifth Circuit’s “Moment of Threat” Doctrine: Are Two Seconds Enough Context to Justify Police Use of Deadly Force?

- totality of circumstances.

- Broker.

- HB 353.

- Become an Individual Real Estate Broker.

- Texas Real Estate Commission.

- What Are Financial Securities?

- U.S. Patent Activity: Calendar Years 1790 to the Present.

 

Why isn't Puerto Rico a state? How about Guam? Virgin Islands? Other territories?

Governor Abbott's Emergency Items

- Governor Abbott Delivers 2025 State Of The State Address.

- 

- From TASA: 

On February 2, 2025, Gov. Greg Abbott gave his State of the State Address, then issued a press release as he traditionally does at the onset of a legislative session. He declared seven emergency items, two of which must be passed during the regular 89th legislative session:

- Property tax relief (must be passed this session),
- Generational investment in water
- Increase teachers’ average salary pay to an all-time high
- Career training expansion
- School choice (must be passed this session)
- Bail reform
- Texas Cyber Command creation

Note that each of the seven emergency items listed above links to a one-pager that describes the governor’s plan in detail.

 

Statistics from the 89th Legislative Session

Sources: 

- Texas Legislature Online.

- Texas Legislative Reference Library.

_____

- Dates of Interest.

- What's Next? Post-Session FAQ and Bill Statistics, 89th R.S.

- Texas Legislature - Legislative Statistics.

- TLO -  General Reports.

- TLO - Bills by Subject.

- Former Harris County DA Kim Ogg ordered to stop speaking about Jocelyn Nungaray after Fox interview.

- Harris County district court greenlights Mayor John Whitmire’s drainage settlement agreement.

- Supreme Court Turns Down Challenge to Ban on Semiautomatic Rifles.

- F.T.C. Investigates Ad Groups and Watchdogs, Alleging Boycott Collusion.

Regarding the FBI

Dear ChatGPT: What is the budget of the FBI?

As of the most recent publicly available data (Fiscal Year 2024), the FBI's budget is approximately $11.3 billion. This funding is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s overall budget and is used to support the FBI’s wide range of responsibilities, including:

- Counterterrorism
- Counterintelligence
- Cybercrime
- Public corruption
- Major criminal threats
- Law enforcement support
- Intelligence gathering and analysis

The budget is proposed by the President as part of the DOJ's budget request and must be approved by Congress. The specific amount can vary year by year depending on national priorities and emerging threats.

Dear CHatGPT: How does the FBI allocate funding by program or division?

The FBI allocates its budget across several major program areas, each supporting different aspects of its national security and law enforcement mission. Here's a breakdown based on available data:

- Counterintelligence: $3.0 billion
- Criminal Enterprises & Federal Crimes: $2.85 billion
- Criminal Justice Services: $505 million

These allocations support various divisions within the FBI:

Counterterrorism Division (CTD) and Counterintelligence Division (CD): Focus on preventing and investigating threats to national security.

Criminal Investigative Division (CID): Handles major criminal threats, including organized crime, financial fraud, and public corruption.

Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS): Manages national databases like fingerprint records and background checks.

The FBI also uses Funded Staffing Levels (FSLs) to allocate personnel resources across its field offices and programs. Each FSL represents one full-time equivalent position, and these are distributed based on program priorities and operational needs.

Dear ChatGPT: What congressional committees have oversight authority over the FBI?

The FBI is primarily overseen by several key committees in the U.S. Congress. These committees are responsible for budgetary, legal, and operational oversight:

1. House of Representatives

- House Judiciary Committee
- - Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance
- - Focus: Legal authorities, civil liberties, and the FBI's investigative powers.

- House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI)
- - Focus: FBI’s intelligence and counterintelligence activities, especially under the National Security Act.

- House Appropriations Committee
- - Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS)
- - Focus: Budget and funding for the FBI.

2. U.S. Senate

- Senate Judiciary Committee
- - Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism
- - Focus: FBI operations, surveillance authorities, and civil rights.

- Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI)
- - Focus: Oversight of intelligence-related activities, including those of the FBI.

- Senate Appropriations Committee
- - Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS)
- - Focus: FBI budget allocations and financial accountability.

These committees regularly hold hearings, review reports, and approve funding that shapes how the FBI operates. Their oversight is crucial to ensuring the bureau’s actions comply with the law and protect civil liberties.

Dear ChatGPT: What relationship does the FBI have with the judicial branch?

The FBI’relationship with the judicial branch is structured, limited, and primarily procedural and operational, not supervisory. Here's how they interact:

1. Legal Process & Investigations

The FBI depends on the judicial branch to:
- Obtain warrants (search, arrest, wiretaps) through federal judges or magistrates, often under Fourth Amendment standards.
- Present evidence in grand jury proceedings and criminal trials, working closely with federal prosecutors (from the DOJ).
- Request subpoenas and court orders under various statutes, including the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for national security investigations.

2. Testimony & Evidence

FBI agents:
- Testify in court as expert or fact witnesses.
- Submit affidavits supporting warrants, indictments, and other legal processes.
- Work with U.S. Attorneys to ensure that investigations meet the evidentiary standards required in court.

3. FISA Court (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court)
- The FBI interacts with the FISA Court, a special federal court, when seeking authorization for surveillance in national security investigations.
- Proceedings here are non-public and focused on intelligence-gathering.

4. Independence and Limits

The judicial branch does not control or direct the FBI.

Conversely, the FBI must respect judicial rulings, constitutional protections, and procedural due process.

If the FBI violates constitutional rights, courts can suppress evidence or dismiss cases.

Summary:

- The FBI operates as an executive agency, but its work often requires authorization, review, and oversight from the judicial branch to ensure legality and constitutional compliance. The relationship is one of checks and balances, not hierarchy.

Dear ChatGPT: Which executive agencies in Texas are most similar to the FBI?


In Texas, while there is no direct state equivalent to the FBI, several executive-level law enforcement and investigative agencies carry out similar functions at the state level—such as criminal investigations, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement coordination.

Here are the most similar agencies:

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

- Most comparable to the FBI overall.

- - Texas Rangers (Division within DPS)
- - - Investigate major crimes (e.g. murder, corruption, organized crime).
- - - Similar to FBI criminal investigative functions.

- - Criminal Investigations Division (CID)
- - - Focuses on drug trafficking, organized crime, financial crimes, and human trafficking.
- - - Analogous to FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division.

- - Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division
- - - Conducts homeland security threat assessments and shares intelligence with federal partners.
- - - Parallel to the FBI’s counterterrorism and intelligence efforts.

Office of the Attorney General of Texas (OAG)

- Investigates cybercrime, child exploitation, fraud, and public corruption.

- - Houses the Law Enforcement Division, which can conduct criminal investigations and assist in prosecutions.
- - Works closely with DPS and local law enforcement, similar to how the FBI supports federal and local coordination.

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

- Regulates and certifies law enforcement officers, similar to how the FBI supports standards and training at the federal level (e.g., FBI Academy).

- Not an investigative agency, but important in law enforcement oversight.

Other Supporting Entities

- Texas Fusion Center (part of DPS Intelligence): Shares intelligence across jurisdictions, akin to the FBI’s role in multi-agency coordination.

- Local Police Intelligence Units: Larger departments like Houston PD or Dallas PD may have specialized units that mirror FBI task forces.

HCTRA Cautions Customers as Phishing Scams Surge

Regarding the scams we discussed in class today..

- Cick here for the link.

- Click here for the Houston Toll Road Authority.

The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) reminds customers to be vigilant against the surge in toll text scams being sent across the country, no matter how convincing they may look.

Phishing scams may attempt to mimic the look of local tolling agencies, but customers should be wary of any suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls they may receive about toll payments. HCTRA does not send SMS text messages regarding billing and will not ask customers to enter any payment information through a text message.

Drivers can protect themselves by verifying a sender before responding, clicking on links, or opening attachments. HCTRA also advises that customers never provide their personal information like credit card numbers or passwords through email or text.

Drivers can visit https://www.hctra.org or log on to the EZ TAG app to review their accounts directly if they receive any unsolicited messaging about tolls. Customers can also verify if they have payments by calling HCTRA’s customer service department at 281-875-3279.


What are the consequences of unpaid tolls?

- Click here. 

Legal Action

Under Texas law, someone who fails to pay a toll may be charged with a criminal misdemeanor for toll evasion under Chapter 370.11 of the Texas Transportation Code. If found guilty, the registered owner of the vehicle can face fines of up to $250 per unpaid toll in addition to court administrative fees.

Habitual Violator

One hundred unpaid tolls within a year may lead to vehicle registration block, vehicle ban, as well as criminal misdemeanor charges, a fine up to $500, and impoundment of the vehicle if the ban is violated.

- Texas Transportation Code.

- Chapter 370.11 of the Texas Transportation Code.

 Meet the lawyer leading Harris County’s fight against President Trump’s White House

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/harris-county-attorney-christian-menefee-20335820.php

1000 word essay questions for Summer 1 and Summer 11

 GOVT 2305: 

The Battle Between the Executive and the Judiciary

Describe the conflict between the actions of President Trump and the federal courts.

In his first few months in office President Trump has made decisions that exceed what previous presidents have done. Some argue that he has exceeded the powers that presidents are granted in the U.S. Constitution, and many of these people have taken these claims to court in the form of lawsuits. 

I want you to read up on some of these lawsuits and discuss the arguments against the actions of the Trump administration, as well as those that support these arguments.

What does this mean for our current understanding of the extent of executive power?

Look on Blackboard for the basic rules for this assignment.

GOVT 2306: 

Executive Influence on the Legislature

Describe how successful Governor Abbott has been in influencing the agenda of the 89th Texas Legislative Session.

Some of the powers the governor is granted in the Texas Constitution allow him to impact the legislative process. He can declare that certain pieces of legislation are emergencies, meaning they can be considered before any other. He can also veto legislation without the possibility of an override by the legislature. He can also veto and funding he does not care for, again without the possibility of an override. There are other informal ways he can persuade and/or coerce the legislature to pass the bills he wants passed.

Used skillfully, these allow a governor to dictate what the legislature will do.

Has our governor been successful this session? 

Look on Blackboard for the basic rules for this assignment.