Bradley v. Barnes (In Re Bradley)

WISDOM, Circuit Judge:

The question this case raises is the bankruptcy court’s subject matter jurisdiction to hear the plaintiff’s claim. We hold that the bankruptcy court has subject matter jurisdiction. We reverse the judgment of the district court and remand this case to the district court.

I

Bobby Newton Bradley sold insurance in Texas. On February 2, 1987 he sought relief from his debts as a bankrupt under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. On August 10, 1988, he received his discharge in bankruptcy. One of the creditors listed in his bankruptcy petition was Dr. Leopold Villegas. In December…