Opinion ID: 4275317
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Constitutionality of the Oklahoma Venue Statute

Text: ¶11 Title 12, Section 133 states: Actions for the following causes must be brought in the county where the cause, or some part thereof arose: First. An action for the recovery of a fine, forfeiture or penalty imposed by statute . . . Second. An action against a public officer for an act done by him in virtue, or under color, of his office, or for neglect of his official duties. Third. An action on the official bond or undertaking of a public officer. Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 133 (2011). Venue for actions against public officers is proper, and is considered to arise, where their office is located. State v. Dist. Ct. of Bryan Cty. , 1955 OK 346, ¶ 8, 290 P.2d 413, 418. However, Appellant contends that this cause arose in Tulsa County, where she is a registered voter and should have her cause heard by a district court judge that she had the ability to vote to approve or disapprove, rather than Oklahoma County where the State Election Board offices are located. ¶12 Appellant challenges this Court's interpretation of Section 133 as an unconstitutional special law under Article 5, Section 46 of the Oklahoma Constitution. Section 46 prohibits the passage of local or special laws [p]roviding for change of venue in civil and criminal cases. Okla. Const., art. 5, § 46. A plain reading of Section 133 shows that Section 133 provides where venue originally lies, not for a change of venue . Section 133 is constitutional under Article 5, Section 46 of the Oklahoma Constitution. Venue for this action is proper in Oklahoma County.