Opinion ID: 2452770
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: mandamus standards of review

Text: Mandamus is an extraordinary remedy available only in limited circumstances. See Canadian Helicopters, Ltd. v. Wittig, 876 S.W.2d 304, 305 (Tex.1994); Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 840 (Tex.1992). A court should issue mandamus only to correct a clear abuse of discretion or the violation of a legal duty when there is no other adequate remedy at law. See Mitchell Energy Corp. v. Ashworth, 943 S.W.2d 436, 437 (Tex.1997); Canadian Helicopters, 876 S.W.2d at 305. The test for abuse of discretion is not whether, in the reviewing court's opinion, the facts present a proper case for the trial court's action. See Downer v. Aquamarine Operators, Inc., 701 S.W.2d 238, 241 (Tex. 1985). Rather, the question is whether the trial court acted without reference to any guiding rules or principles. See Downer, 701 S.W.2d at 241-42. To determine whether there is an abuse of discretion, we review the entire record. See Griffin Indus., Inc. v. Thirteenth Court of Appeals, 934 S.W.2d 349, 355 (Tex.1996). Our focus remains on the trial court's order regardless of the court of appeals' decision. See Johnson v. Fourth Court of Appeals, 700 S.W.2d 916, 918 (Tex. 1985). The party challenging the trial court's decision must establish that the facts and law permit the trial court to make but one decision. See Johnson, 700 S.W.2d at 917. With respect to resolving factual issues or matters committed to the trial court's discretion, the reviewing court may not substitute its judgment for the trial court's. See Walker, 827 S.W.2d at 839; Flores v. Fourth Court of Appeals, 777 S.W.2d 38, 41-42 (Tex. 1989). The reviewing court must defer to the trial court's resolution of factual matters and may not set aside the trial court's finding unless the record makes it clear that the trial court could reach only one decision. See Walker, 827 S.W.2d at 839-40. The reviewing court may not issue mandamus for an abuse of discretion merely because it disagrees with the trial court's decision if that decision was within the trial court's discretionary authority. See Beaumont Bank N.A. v. Buller, 806 S.W.2d 223, 226 (Tex. 1991). Moreover, an appellate court may not reconcile disputed factual matters in a mandamus proceeding. See Hooks v. Fourth Court of Appeals, 808 S.W.2d 56, 60 (Tex. 1991). An abuse of discretion does not exist if the trial court bases its decision on conflicting evidence and some evidence reasonably supports the trial court's decision. See IKB Indus. Ltd. v. Pro-Line Corp., 938 S.W.2d 440, 445 (Tex.1997); Davis v. Huey, 571 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex.1978).