“Candy Cane” Case Appeal Goes to U.S. 5th Circuit Court in New Orleans; FHMBK Law Firm Defends Plano Principals’ Actions

DALLAS, May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- An appeal of the much-discussed "Candy Cane" case was argued today in front of the entire assembled 17-member U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

Formally titled Morgan et al v. Swanson and Bomchill, Case No. 09-40373, the case originated in 2001 and involves two Plano Independent School District elementary principals who, in separate incidents, are alleged to have prevented some school children's attempts to distribute religious items to their classmates during school hours. Lead attorney Thomas Brandt of Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt & Kutchin will argue in defense of Jackie Bomchill, former principal of Rasor Elementary School in Plano, and Lynn Swanson of Thomas Elementary School in Plano.

"Jackie Bomchill and Lynn Swanson are two well-meaning people who abided by school rules and the school attorneys' advice," Brandt said.  "They have now been snagged and dragged into a cultural and political battle, which dwarfs them. The bottom line is that they should be immune from this lawsuit."

Two former solicitor generals of the United States, Paul Clement and Kenneth Starr, argued against Brandt. Starr, who now serves as president of Baylor University, led the impeachment proceedings against former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

It is anticipated that the 5th Circuit Court could take approximately three to six months to reach a decision.

About FHMBK

Dallas, Texas-based Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt & Kutchin P.C. began more than 50 years ago with a focus on helping insurance companies, working alongside businesses and individuals across various industries. Today the firm provides exceptional legal services not only to the insurance industry, but also to businesses, governmental entities, educational organizations and individuals facing legal challenges. By maintaining a higher standard for itself, FHMBK ensures that its clients receive aggressive, effective representation delivered with the highest levels of personal and professional integrity. In the past 50 years, FHMBK has built strong relationships with clients based on its ability to understand and solve their problems quickly and efficiently. For more information about FHMBK, go to www.fhmbk.com.

SOURCE FHMBK