Jury Charge Practice After Horton v. Kansas City Railway Co.

Texas Appellate Law Podcast

Jury charge practice in Texas trials just got a shakeup thanks to the recent Horton v. Kansas City Railway Co. decision. In today’s episode, Todd Smith and Jody Sanders delve into the Texas Supreme Court’s recent pivot on Casteel error in jury charges. They analyze the implications for appellate practice, sparked by the Court’s revised stance in the Horton case. Formerly relied upon for its presumption of harm, Casteel error now requires prevailing parties to rebut a presumption that any error affected the jury's verdict. This nuanced shift, explored in detail by Todd and Jody, marks a significant evolution in Texas appellate law, prompting fresh considerations for trial attorneys and appellate strategists alike.