Opinion ID: 1776282
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Consolidated's Petition

Text: Consolidated petitions for a writ of mandamus to compel the circuit court to vacate its order, contending that the trial court's order violates the public's and the press's right of access to criminal proceedings, guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. A writ of mandamus is a drastic and extraordinary remedy. For this Court to issue such a writ, there must be (1) a clear legal right of the petitioner to the order sought; (2) an imperative duty upon the respondent to perform, accompanied by a refusal to do so; (3) the lack of another adequate remedy; and (4) properly invoked jurisdiction of the Court. Ex parte Adams, 514 So.2d 845 (Ala.1987). Accordingly, the burden of proof in regard to this mandamus petition is on Consolidated; however, as our discussion of United States Supreme Court cases will show, the burden is upon Wilson to justify the closure he seeks, provided that the right of access Consolidated claims attaches in this case.