Opinion ID: 2443943
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the temporary injunction review

Text: The Davises contend that the court of civil appeals far exceeded the proper scope of appellate review of a temporary injunction and improperly granted premature review of the entire case on its merits. We must agree. The appeal of an order granting or denying a temporary injunction is an appeal from an interlocutory order, which is expressly authorized by Article 4662, Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated. Accordingly, the merits of the underlying case are not presented for appellate review. Appellate review of an order granting or denying a temporary injunction is strictly limited to determination of whether there has been a clear abuse of discretion by the trial court in granting or denying the interlocutory order. State v. Southwestern Bell Tel. Co., 526 S.W.2d 526 (Tex.1975); City of Spring Valley v. Southwestern Bell Tel. Co., 484 S.W.2d 579 (Tex. 1972); State v. Cook United, Inc., 469 S.W.2d 709 (Tex.1971); Texas Foundries v. International Moulders & F. Wkrs., 151 Tex. 239, 248 S.W.2d 460 (1952). The court of civil appeals opinion contains no indication that it confined its appellate consideration to review for abuse of discretion. To the contrary, it appears that the court of civil appeals gave full consideration to the merits of the underlying lawsuit. The opinion itself characterizes the case as an appeal from an order denying an injunction. The opinion makes no reference to the interlocutory nature of the injunction or to the abuse of discretion standard. Further, the order which the court of civil appeals directed the trial court to enter upon remand fully grants the relief sought by the Hueys in their lawsuit: injunction of the construction until the Davises' plans are approved by the developer. The Hueys argue that the court of civil appeals opinion was clearly limited to review of the temporary injunction because that was the only issue raised before that court. However, a reading of the court of civil appeals opinion and order will not support this contention. The effect of premature review of the merits accomplished by the court of civil appeals here is to deny the Davises their right to trial by jury. This court will not assume that the evidence taken at a preliminary hearing will be the same as the evidence developed at a full trial on the merits. Houston Belt & T. Ry. Co. v. Texas & New Orleans R. Co., 155 Tex. 407, 289 S.W.2d 217 (1956); Transport Co. of Texas v. Robertson Transports, 152 Tex. 551, 261 S.W.2d 549 (1953). At a hearing upon the request for a temporary injunction the only question before the trial court is whether the applicant is entitled to preservation of the status quo of the subject matter of the suit pending trial on the merits. Houston Belt & T. Ry. Co. v. Texas & New Orleans R. Co., supra . On appeal the reviewing court is limited in its consideration as to whether the trial court abused its discretion in making the foregoing determination. The appellate court may not substitute its judgment for that of the trial court. Texas Foundries v. International Moulders & F. Wkrs., supra . An abuse of discretion does not exist where the trial court bases its decisions on conflicting evidence. Zmotony v. Phillips, 529 S.W.2d 760 (Tex.1975). Here, as no findings of fact or conclusions of law were filed, [2] the trial court judgment must be upheld on any legal theory supported by the record. Seaman v. Seaman, 425 S.W.2d 339 (Tex.1968). The Davises assert that there are at least three legal theories which will support the trial court's implied holding that the Hueys showed no probable right to recover. First, the trial court might have concluded that the developer had no power to modify the fifteen-foot setback requirement of deed restriction 7 under the holding of Johnson v. Dick, 281 S.W.2d 171 (Tex.Civ. App.San Antonio 1955, no writ). Second, the trial court could have found as a fact that the developer's action in refusing approval was not reasonable under the circumstances. Third, the trial court could have found as fact that views were not a part of the general scheme of development of the subdivision and not a proper basis for the exercise of the developer's authority under restriction 8. The Davises further contend that there are under the evidence at least three theories upon which the trial court could have concluded that the Hueys failed to show irreparable injury. First, there was testimony by Mr. Huey that the reduced value of his property could be compensated by money damages. Second, there was testimony that the Hueys could extend their deck ten feet to preserve their view. Third, because the construction of the Davis house was in such early stages, the Hueys would suffer little injury in the time period between the temporary injunction hearing and the final hearing on the merits. Without intruding upon the merits of the underlying cause of action, it may be concluded that at least some basis exists upon which the trial court could have properly held that the Hueys were not entitled to a temporary injunction pending the final hearing. Accordingly, we hold that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying the temporary injunction.