Opinion ID: 1707762
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: did the trial court err in awarding attorney's fees against the school board?

Text: On a finding of frivolousness, the chancellor found the School Board's defense to be totally without merit and warranted an award of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500.00) attorney's fees under M.R.C.P. Rule 11(b) as sanctions. Such sanctions may be imposed only where a claim or defense is frivolous or asserted for harassment or delay. Tricon Metals & Services, Inc. v. Topp, 537 So.2d 1331, 1334-35 (Miss. 1989); Dethlefs v. Beau Maison Development Corp., 511 So.2d 112, 118 (Miss. 1987). The area of sixteenth section trust lands is one of the most litigated issues in the state for the past eight years, and it has received extensive media coverage for the same period. Past abuses in management of trust lands have given rise to this renewed interest to untangle a complex and involved public problem for the benefit of public schools. This public concern is meritorious; it is not an issue without merit. Having found that the lease in question is void, this Court has held the School Board's position to be meritorious. The award of attorney's fee must be reversed and rendered.