Texas v. New Mexico
Headline: Court appoints Charles J. Meyers to replace a withdrawn Special Master, authorizing him to manage filings, gather evidence, summon witnesses, and charge costs to the parties.
Holding: The Court appointed Charles J. Meyers as Special Master with authority to manage filings, summon witnesses, issue subpoenas, take evidence, report findings, and charge costs to the parties.
- Gives a court-appointed official authority to manage the remaining case steps.
- Allows the Special Master to summon witnesses and issue subpoenas for evidence.
- Makes the parties responsible for the Master’s fees and related case expenses.
Summary
Background
A long-serving Special Master, Jean Sala Breitenstein, asked to be relieved and the Court granted that request. The Court found it necessary to appoint a new Special Master to finish the case. The Court ordered Charles J. Meyers of Denver, Colorado, to take the role. The order gives him authority to set the time and conditions for any additional filings and to direct the remaining steps in the case.
Reasoning
The Court’s action addresses who will manage the remaining procedural work so the case can be completed. The Court gave Meyers specific powers to summon witnesses, issue subpoenas, and receive both evidence presented by the parties and evidence he believes necessary to call for. He is also directed to submit whatever reports he finds appropriate. The order clarifies that his role is to organize and carry out the remaining proceedings under the Court’s direction.
Real world impact
The practical effect is that Meyers will run the remaining steps of the case. The people and entities involved must follow his schedule and any subpoenas or evidence requests he issues. The order also says that the Special Master’s pay, his assistants’ pay, the cost of printing his report, and other proper expenses will be charged to the parties in proportions the Court will later decide. This appointment is procedural and does not resolve the case’s substantive issues.
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