G.B. Greiner v. Carl E. Jameson and William D. Brosseau

This appeal involves a postjudgment order imposing sanctions against G.B. Greiner, H. David Tullos, and Southland Oil Partners, Inc. (collectively Greiner) for failure to pay a money judgment and dismiss certain litigation pending in Louisiana. Greiner contends the trial court abused its discretion in ordering monetary sanctions. Greiner claims they were excessive and improper and no rule or statute authorized the sanctions. Greiner also contends that the sanctions order exceeded the limits of the trial courts judicial power and is void. We conclude the trial court abused its discretion and exceeded its inherent judicial powers by the entry of the sanctions order. We reverse the trial courts order and render judgment that Jameson and Brosseau take nothing.