Opinion ID: 2174689
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: should the writ of prohibition be denied since the applicants purportedly have a plain, speedy and adequate remedy in the form of quo warranto?

Text: The Governor argues that the Applicants have a plain, speedy and adequate remedy at law by an action in quo warranto brought under the authority of SDCL 21-28. This Court did hold in State ex rel. Walkin v. Shanks, 25 S.D. 55, 125 N.W. 122, 123 (1910) that quo warranto, rather than prohibition, is the proper method of determining the issue of title to public office. See also State ex rel. Pryor v. Axness, 31 S.D. 125, 139 N.W. 791 (1913); Gibbs v. Bergh, 51 S.D. 432, 214 N.W. 838 (1927); Burns v. Kurtenback, 327 N.W.2d 636 (S.D.1982); State ex rel. Rearick v. Bd. of Comr's of Lyman County, 34 S.D. 256, 145 N.W. 548 (1914) (mandamus rejected in favor of quo warranto). In State ex rel. McGee v. Gardner, 3 S.D. 553, 54 N.W. 606 (1893) quo warranto was used to determine the title to the office of circuit judge. However, other decisions of this Court show that this general rule has not always received uniform application and support in cases of this general factual setting. Initially, it should be noted that this Court early on in its existence made it clear that judicial discretion, rather than any fixed claims of right, were to govern the issuance of original writs of mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, habeas corpus, injunction and certiorari: It is not easy, if indeed it would be advisable to define definitely all the cases or classes of cases in which this court will exert its original powers. These must rest, as the constitution has left them, in the sound discretion of this court, to be exercised or denied as the circumstances of the given case may demand. Everitt v. Bd. of County Commissioners, Hughes County, 1 S.D. 365, 370, 47 N.W. 296, 298 (1890). In Putnam v. Phyle, 57 S.D. 250, 232 N.W. 20 (1930) the plaintiff sued the Secretary of State to have her enjoined from certifying an independent candidate for Governor. We noted that such an action should have properly been brought as a request for a writ of prohibition rather than an injunction. Instead of dismissing on this point, we held that given the public importance of the case and the need of prompt and final action, we would not sacrifice substance to form and would decide the case on the merits in favor of the plaintiff. 57 S.D. at 255, 259, 232 N.W. at 22, 24. Subsequently in State ex rel. Roberts v. Morrison, 64 S.D. 516, 268 N.W. 647 (1936) a member of this Court seeking re-election sought a writ of prohibition from this Court against the Secretary of State on the grounds that his opponent did not have enough valid signatures on his nominating petition. This Court found that prohibition was the proper remedy under which to examine the legality of the nominating petition. 64 S.D. at 522, 268 N.W. at 650. See also Vine v. Jones, 13 S.D. 54, 82 N.W. 82 (1900); State ex rel. Bakewell v. Hansen, 67 S.D. 499, 294 N.W. 445, 446 (1940); In re Opinion of the Judges, 85 S.D. 390, 182 N.W.2d 849 (1971) (Hanson and Wollman dissenting). Assuming the Applicants produce the facts to support their claim, the Applicants would also have to persuade this Court to exercise its discretion, rather than demand a writ of quo warranto as a matter of right. [6] Putnam, supra, 232 N.W. at 22. With February 1, 1993, fast approaching, Applicants had direct access to a circuit court for a cause of action in quo warranto but only a discretionary plea to this Court. Pursuant to Art. V § 12, this Court is vested with the general supervision over all courts of this state. Were we to not act at this point, Severson and Caldwell could assume office on February 1, 1993, with a question as to their legal authority to act. The public has the right to know that it can rely on the legality of the actions of the circuit courts of this state. Having this issue continue to fester with Severson and Caldwell sitting on a legally questionable bench while the Applicants navigate their claim through the long and winding legal road of normal quo warranto proceedings is not in the best interest of anyone. Thus, we deem the exceptional circumstances of this case and the public interest involved appropriate to deviate from the general rule cited herein and will address the Applicants' issue on the merits. See State v. Grayston, 349 Mo. 700, 163 S.W.2d 335 (1942).