In re Lopez
372 S.W.3d 174
| Tex. | 2012Background
- Parties had a written arbitration agreement designating Victoria County for the hearing.
- Actual arbitration hearing occurred in Travis County, not Victoria.
- Lopezes filed to transfer venue to Travis County under §171.096(c).
- Yoakum filed in Victoria County to vacate the award under §171.096(b).
- Trial court denied transfer; court of appeals denied mandamus relief.
- Court confronts whether §171.096(b) or §171.096(c) governs post-hearing venue.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proper venue statute after arbitration held | Lopezes: §171.096(c) applies since hearing occurred. | Yoakum: §171.096(b) governs because agreement fixed venue. | §171.096(c) governs; venue must be in hearing county |
Key Cases Cited
- In re M.N., 262 S.W.3d 799 (Tex.2008) (statutory-interpretation framework)
- Helena Chem. Co. v. Wilkins, 47 S.W.3d 486 (Tex.2001) ("must" as mandatory venue language)
- In re Mo. Pac. R.R. Co., 998 S.W.2d 212 (Tex.1999) (no discretion to misapply law)
- In re Cont’l Airlines, Inc., 988 S.W.2d 733 (Tex.1998) (orig.proceeding mandamus relief for venue orders)
- In re Applied Chem. Magnesias, 206 S.W.3d 114 (Tex.2006) (mandamus relief when enforcing venue provisions)