Case Name: In the Matter of Paula F. Guity, Petitioner, v. Denise F. Molia et al., Respondents
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 2014-10-08
Citations: 121 A.D.3d 791
Docket Number: 
Parties: In the Matter of Paula F. Guity, Petitioner, v Denise F. Molia et al., Respondents.
Judges: Balkin, J.E, Chambers, Hall and Cohen, JJ., concur.
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 121
Pages: 791–792

Head Matter:
In the Matter of Paula F. Guity, Petitioner, v Denise F. Molia et al., Respondents.
[992 NYS2d 900]

Opinion:
Proceeding pursuant to CPLR article 78 in the nature of prohibition and mandamus, inter alia, to prohibit certain underlying civil actions from proceeding, and to compel the recusal of the respondent Denise F. Molia from presiding over the actions.
Adjudged that the petition is denied and the proceeding is dismissed on the merits, without costs or disbursements.
"Because of its extraordinary nature, prohibition is available only where there is a clear legal right, and then only when a court — in cases where judicial authority is challenged — acts or threatens to act either without jurisdiction or in excess of its authorized powers" (Matter of Holtzman v Goldman, 71 NY2d 564, 569 [1988]; see Matter of Rush v Mordue, 68 NY2d 348, 352 [1986]). The extraordinary remedy of mandamus will lie only to compel the performance of a ministerial act, and only where there exists a clear legal right to the relief sought (see Matter of Legal Aid Socy. of Sullivan County v Scheinman, 53 NY2d 12, 16 [1981]). The petitioner failed to demonstrate a clear legal right to the relief sought.
Balkin, J.E, Chambers, Hall and Cohen, JJ., concur.