Opinion ID: 1725472
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Central Bank's Request for Decertification

Text: This action was certified as a class action pursuant to Ala.R.Civ.P. 23(a) and (b)(3). Rule 23(a) requires the following findings: (1) the class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable, (2) there are questions of law or fact common to the class, (3) the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class, and (4) the representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interest of the class. In opposition to the trial court's certification of a plaintiff class, Central Bank contends that the requisite findings were not made. More specifically, it argues that Lackey lacks standing to represent the putative class. She lacks standing because, it argues, she has failed to demonstrate that there was [a] material breach of the agreement by Central Bank. Petition for Writ of Mandamus, at 17. Because Lackey's underlying claim for breach of contract is unfounded, Central Bank insists, this action is not a proper case for class certification. Id. The essence of Central Bank's argument is that the trial court erred in denying its motion for a summary judgment. However, [w]e have ... stated on numerous occasions that mandamus cannot be used as a substitute for appeal. Ex parte Stone, 502 So.2d 683, 685 (Ala.1986); see also Ex parte Jackson, 614 So.2d 405, 408 (Ala.1993). Thus, a writ of mandamus will not issue to review the merits of an order denying a motion for a summary judgment. Ex parte Gatwood, 518 So.2d 115, 116 (Ala.1987); Ex parte Newco Mfg. Co., 481 So.2d 867, 870 (Ala.1985); Ex parte South Carolina Ins. Co., 412 So.2d 269, 270 (Ala.1982). Whether the underlying claim for breach of contract is unfounded is an issue that may be addressed on appeal. Therefore, we will not consider under a request for decertification arguments that essentially invite us to review indirectly a ruling on the merits of the underlying claim.