5th Circuit

Austin Judge Writes Treatise on Valuation of Personal Property

Lender needs more than Blue Book value to win a valuation trial.

Disavowing a Complaint Avoids Bankruptcy Court Jurisdiction

Unartful complaint didn’t prove fatal on a change-of-venue motion.

Fifth Circuit Ducks an Undecided Issue on Automatic Stay Violation

Dissenter would have used a $1 case to rule on an issue of first impression.
Court: 

Lawyers Beware: Fees Can’t Be Paid from PACA Trust Funds

Fifth Circuit agrees with Second Circuit on sanctity of PACA trust funds.
Court: 

Texas Judges Disagree About Exemption for Sale Proceeds from a Homestead

Judge finds a loophole in a Fifth Circuit opinion on the homestead exemption.

Fifth Circuit Finds an Exception to General Rule on Appellate Standing

Debtors facing discharge denial have standing to appeal claim allowances.
Court: 

Exemptions Are Not a Moving Target the Trustee Can Shoot Down at Any Time

Judge Isgur interprets Schwab v. Reilly to benefit debtors and disadvantage trustees.

United Operating Only Protects Creditors and Shareholders, Bankruptcy Judge Holds

Restriction on post-confirmation suits is further limited in the Fifth Circuit.

Benefit to Consumer Required for Involuntary Conversion from Chapter 7 to 11

Judge lays down a tough rule, then goes easy on consumer debtors.

Fifth Circuit Reads Section 707(a) Dismissal for ‘Cause’ Broadly

Judge Edith Jones elevates ‘chutzpah’ to a legal concept in the Fifth Circuit.
Court: