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Ford Motor Company v. Leggat

Texas Supreme Court

904 S.W.2d 643 (1995)

Facts

Reynauld White was killed when his vehicle, manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford) (plaintiff), flipped over in an accident. White’s estate (defendant) brought a products-liability action against Ford in Texas state court. During discovery proceedings, White’s estate sought to compel production of a report made by Ford’s general counsel to Ford’s policy and strategy committee. The committee comprised Ford’s senior officers and members of its board of directors. The report contained counsel’s legal advice and strategy. The report had been presented at a confidential Michigan meeting attended by counsel and the committee and would be privileged under Michigan law, but not necessarily under Texas law. The trial court ordered Ford to produce the report. Ford initiated a mandamus action to prevent the report’s production.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Cornyn, J.)

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