Harris County Hospital District v. Public Utility Commission of Texas, et al.

Since Matsushita Elec. Industrial Co. v. Epstein, 516 U.S. 367 (1996), federal circuits, and state courts, have been split on the scope of a collateral review of class action judgments. The question presented is: Whether, or in what circumstances, the scope of the collateral review of an alleged absent class member’s collateral attack on a class action judgment, comports with the Due Process Clause. Whether, or in what circumstances, a cy pres award of class action proceeds, which provides no direct benefit or relief to class members, comports with the Due Process Clause. Whether, or in what circumstances, a “fail-safe” definition for a settlement class, which is conditioned on the paramount liability question, comports with the Due Process Clause.