Robert E. Rankin, Petitioner v. J. M. Naftalis, Respondents

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court reversed the Court of Civil Appeals and affirmed the trial court’s judgment that the plaintiffs take nothing, rejecting their claim of a constructive trust over the Orsak lease. The Court held that the fiduciary duties of the joint venturers were limited to the specific lease described in the written contracts and that the Statute of Frauds barred the imposition of an oral trust.