The Supreme Court of Texas heard oral arguments in two civil cases at the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Law Center on Thursday, February 20. The Court convened in the Jim Kronzer Appellate Advocacy Classroom and Courtroom, room 127.

The Texas Supreme Court occasionally holds oral arguments in locations beyond Austin, fostering a greater understanding of the Texas justice system and promoting public transparency. This initiative offers students, faculty, alumni, and guests a unique opportunity to observe the judicial process firsthand.

The first case, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley v. Oteka, arose from a personal injury lawsuit by a professor against her university employer. One issue is whether the professor was required to exhaust administrative remedies under the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act before suing in district court. 

In the second case, Walgreens v. McKenzie, a customer sued Walgreens for negligent hiring and other torts after an employee identified the customer, incorrectly, as a shoplifter to the police. One issue is whether a negligent hiring claim can proceed when the employee’s underlying conduct is not actionable.

Supreme Court of Texas - Oral Arguments
At Baylor University School of Law

Thursday, February 20, 2025 

23-0167 Univ. of Tex. Rio Grande Valley v. Oteka

23-0955 Walgreens v. McKenzie

Q&A with Baylor Law School Students