Deadlock

There is “significant concern” among oil and gas interests that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court could deadlock in a 3-3 tie over the constitutionality of Act 13 because the high court’s newest appointee will not participate in the case challenging the law.

Jurors deliberating for the ninth day in Arthur Andersen LLP’s obstruction of justice trial were awaiting a ruling by the presiding Houston judge Friday afternoon that may offer crucial guidance in determining a decision of guilt or innocence. Judge Melinda Harmon was asked by the jurors to rule on whether they all must agree on which individual at Andersen acted corruptly when the firm destroyed Enron Corp. records last fall.