Opinion ID: 1109219
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: should the trial court have delayed a decision on the motion to dismiss pending discovery?

Text: ¶ 38. Lang contends the case should not have been dismissed without discovery. Lang argues that in addition to the statutorily mandated duties discussed above, the district may have set its own duties through internal rules, regulations, procedures, and directives. Lang contends these may have been written or oral. Lang also suggests the Department of Education may have made similar requirements in the form of regulations and policies. Lang points out Section 37-9-7 requires school officials to observe and enforce the statutes, rules and regulations prescribed for the operation of schools. Miss.Code Ann. § 37-9-7 (emphasis added). ¶ 39. The school district argues discovery should be held in abeyance until the school district's immunity defenses are resolved. The school district claims discovery should not proceed in the case sub judice because the record is bare of any facts that would overcome the immunity provided by Section 11-46-9. ¶ 40. The instant action was dismissed upon the school district's Rule 12(b)(6) motion. The purpose of a motion to dismiss is to test the legal sufficiency of the complaint. T.M., 650 So.2d at 1345-46. We are of the opinion that a decision was rendered prematurely in this case. This matter is better suited for consideration on a Rule 56 motion for summary judgment following further discovery rather than for consideration based simply on Lang's complaint. Because we cannot say that it appears beyond a doubt Lang can prove no set of facts in support of her claim which would entitle her to relief, we reverse the judgment of the Hancock County Circuit Court, and we remand this case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. ¶ 41. REVERSED AND REMANDED. PRATHER, C.J., PITTMAN, P.J., BANKS, McRAE, SMITH, MILLS AND WALLER, JJ., CONCUR. COBB, J., NOT PARTICIPATING.