Opinion ID: 2218276
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: injunction as proper remedy

Text: An injunction will not lie unless the right is clear, the damage is irreparable, and the remedy at law is inadequate. Young v. Lacy, 221 Neb. 511, 378 N.W.2d 192 (1985). Based on the foregoing analysis there is no question that the State's right to an injunction is clear. The defendants dispute whether there was irreparable damage or no adequate remedy at law. Injunction is a proper remedy to be used by the State in the protection of public rights, property, or welfare, whether or not the acts complained of violate a criminal statute or constitute a nuisance. State ex rel. Meyer v. Weiner, 190 Neb. 30, 205 N.W.2d 649 (1973). Violations of these public rights can constitute irreparable damage. Where evidence establishes that an injury will be either continuous or repetitive, granting of an injunction is an appropriate remedy. Delp v. Laier, 205 Neb. 417, 288 N.W.2d 265 (1980). A court of equity may properly afford injunctive relief where there has been a continuing and flagrant course of violations of the law even though these acts may be subject to criminal prosecution. State ex rel. Douglas v. Wiener, 220 Neb. 502, 370 N.W.2d 720 (1985). There is no question that the conduct in question is pervasive. The record reveals that approximately 80 percent of all establishments licensed to sell liquor in Douglas County have similar machines. Such pervasiveness can constitute a continuing and flagrant course of violations. The violations need not be from a single establishment. Repeated criminal prosecutions would not provide an adequate remedy to eradicate the nuisance. Finally, a court of equity has jurisdiction to enjoin a threatened injury whenever its nature is such that it could not be adequately compensated in damages and its continuance would occasion a constantly recurring grievance. City of Syracuse v. Farmers Elevator, Inc., 182 Neb. 783, 157 N.W.2d 394 (1968). This precisely reflects the conduct in question.