NO. 07-12-0349-CV
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE SEVENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
AT AMARILLO
PANEL C
AUGUST 7, 2012
______________________________
IN RE ELIGAH DARNELL, JR., RELATOR
_________________________________
Before QUINN, C.J., and HANCOCK and PIRTLE, JJ.
MEMORANDUM OPINION
By this original proceeding, Relator, Eligah Darnell, Jr., an inmate proceeding pro
se and in forma pauperis, seeks a writ of mandamus to compel the Potter County
District Clerk, Caroline Woodburn, to file his civil complaint pursuant to chapter 14 of the
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. For the reasons expressed herein, we deny
Relator's request and dismiss his petition for writ of mandamus for want of jurisdiction.
This Court has the authority to issue writs of mandamus against a judge of a
district or county court in our district and all writs necessary to enforce our jurisdiction.
Tex. Gov't Code Ann. ' 22.221(b) (West 2004). In order for a district clerk to fall within
our jurisdictional reach, it must be established that the issuance of the writ of
mandamus is necessary to enforce our jurisdiction. In re Coronado, 980 S.W.2d 691,
692-93 (Tex.App.BSan Antonio 1998, no pet.). Relator has not demonstrated that the
exercise of our mandamus authority against the Potter County District Clerk is
appropriate to enforce our jurisdiction. Consequently, we have no authority to issue a
writ of mandamus against Caroline Woodburn.
Accordingly, the petition for writ of mandamus is dismissed for want of
jurisdiction.
Patrick A. Pirtle
Justice
2
in Re Eligah Darnell, Jr, Relator
Combined Opinion