Court Opinion

ID: 9639341
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 16:13:10.831742+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:10:16.224835
License: Public Domain

TOM GRAY, Chief Justice,
dissenting.

No Jurisdiction

The final judgment in this case was signed on April 5, 2004. (CR-35.) There was no motion filed that would extend the time in which to file a notice of appeal. See Tex.R.App. P. 26.1. Thus, the notice of appeal had to be filed within 30 days of the date of the judgment, id., or a motion for extension of time had to be filed within 45 days, whether it was.an express motion for extension or implied. See Verburgt v. Dorner, 959 S.W.2d 615 (Tex.1997). The notice of appeal was not filed until June 10, 2004, 66 days after the final judgment was signed. The notice of appeal is untimely. We have no jurisdiction. The appeal should be dismissed.
Square Peg — Round Hole
After the trial court granted a no-evidence motion for summary judgment, the non-movant moved to reopen the evidence under Rule 270. Tex.R. Civ. P. 270. Rule 270 has no application to a summary judgment proceeding. “Rule 166a(c) of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure authorizes the late filing of summary judgment evidence, if the party requests and obtains leave of the court and if such evidence is before the court before the summary judgment is rendered. Tex.R. Civ. P. 166a(c); Benchmark Bank v. Crowder, 919 S.W.2d 657, 663 (Tex.1996).” Withrow v. State Farm Lloyds, 990 S.W.2d 432, 434 (Tex. App.-Texarkana 1999, pet. denied); see also J.E.M. v. Fidelity & Cas. Co. of New York, 928 S.W.2d 668, 672 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 1996, no pet.). As noted, the rule which allows a party to have a trial court consider late-filed evidence in response to a motion for summary judgment is Rule 166a(c). Tex.R. Civ. P. 166a(c) (“Except on leave of court, the adverse party, not later than seven days prior to the day of hearing may file and serve opposing affidavits or other written response.”). I cannot join the violence in which the majority engages by forcing a square peg into a round hole.

Conclusion

Because the majority reverses and re.mands an appeal when it should be dis*747missed because we have no jurisdiction, or affirmed because the appellant has presented no error on which relief can be granted, I dissent.