Court Opinion

ID: 9932902
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2024-02-09 18:41:21.615414+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:01:44.236051
License: Public Domain

I agree with the majority that there is insufficient evidence of bias on the trial judge's part to justify recusal. However, I must dissent from the denial of the petition for the writ of mandamus sought on the basis of improper class certification under Rule 23, Ala. R. Civ. P. This case involves a nationwide class of perhaps three million members and the laws of many states other than Alabama. "Alabama does not have the power . . . to punish [a defendant] for conduct that was lawful where it occurred and that had no impact on Alabama or its residents. Nor may Alabama impose sanctions on [a defendant] in order to deter conduct that is lawful in other jurisdictions." BMW ofNorth America, Inc. v. Gore, ___ U.S. ___, 116 S.Ct. 1589,134 L.Ed.2d 809 (1996); see also Castano v. American Tobacco Co.,84 F.3d 734 (5th Cir. 1996). I would at least order an answer and briefs to determine if questions of law or fact are common to the class. Therefore, I concur as to the recusal issue, but I must respectfully dissent from the denial of the petition for permission to appeal and the denial of the petitions for the writ of mandamus.