Opinion ID: 1702605
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: jurisdiction

Text: At first blush, it would appear that this controversy could be resolved very simply by denying the writ because of the narrow field of operation of a petition for writ of mandamus. The cases are replete with statements to the effect that mandamus does not lie to review a judge's acts of discretion. East v. Todd, 284 Ala. 495, 226 So.2d 153 (1969); Assured Investors Life Insurance Company v. National Union Associates, Inc., 362 So.2d 228 (Ala.1978). Ordinarily, the matter should come to us by way of review on appeal, the judge below having exercised his discretion not to disqualify defendant's counsel and his co-counsel. However, the petitioner has leveled serious charges of violations of Canons 4 and 9, Code of Professional Responsibility of the Alabama State Bar, against two lawyers licensed to practice before this Court. The impact of those violations on the present litigation is too important for us to ignore until these charges come to us on appeal. As far as we have been able to determine, the issues presented by the petitioner, surprisingly, are of first impression in this state and could taint the trial of the case below, unless resolved at this time. We said in Jones v. Alabama State Bar, 353 So.2d 508, 509 (Ala.1977), quoting from In re Evans, 42 Utah 282, 130 P. 217 (1913): The summary jurisdiction which the court has over its attorneys as officers of the court is also invoked. That jurisdiction is inherent, continuing, and plenary, and exists independently of statute or rules of equity, and ought to be assumed and exercised as the exigencies and necessity of the case require, not only to maintain and protect the integrity and dignity of the court, to secure obedience to its rules and process, and to rebuke interference with the conduct of its business, but also to control and protect its officers, including attorneys. Because of the urgency of the matters raised in the petition, we proceed to review them. Mandamus lies when no other adequate remedy is available. Ex parte Locke, 346 So.2d 419 (Ala.1977); Ex parte Osborn, 375 So.2d 467 (Ala.1979). Unfortunately, due to the delicate interplay of ethical and equitable considerations in this case, a fairly comprehensive review of the facts involved in this protracted and checkered litigation will be necessary.