292 P.3d 537
Or.2012Background
- Portland Habilitation Center (relator) seeks mandamus against Portland State University and Aramark for procuring janitorial services from a nonqualifying firm under ORS 279.850.
- Relator contends an adequate remedy at law (APA/ORS 183.310–183.690) exists, precluding mandamus under ORS 34.110.
- Circuit court dismissed the petition, agreeing there was an adequate remedy at law; denied issuance of an alternative writ.
- Court of Appeals affirmed; this court reviews whether ORS 34.110 (remedy at law precludes mandamus) or ORS 34.130(3) (writ allowed on petition) governs.
- The Oregon Supreme Court holds that ORS 34.110 precludes mandamus when an adequate remedy exists, and ORS 34.130(3) does not compel issuance regardless of remedy.
- Court affirms both the circuit court and Court of Appeals’ decisions.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether ORS 34.110 precludes mandamus if an adequate remedy exists | Relator: remedy at law does not bar mandamus | Defendants: remedy at law precludes mandamus | Yes; remedy at law precludes mandamus |
| Whether ORS 34.130(3) requires circuit court to allow and issue an alternative writ | Relator: ORS 34.130(3) mandates issuance | Defendant: statute is procedural, not mandates | No; it is procedural and harmonizes with ORS 34.110 |
| Whether ORS 34.110 applies to both alternative and peremptory writs | Relator: broad application to writs | Defendant: applies to writs generally | Applies to writs generally; precludes if remedy exists |
| Whether the circuit court properly dismissed the petition | Relator: dismissal improper given remedy issue pending | Defendant: appropriate under ORS 34.110 | Circuit court dismissal upheld |
Key Cases Cited
- State ex rel Dobson, 171 Or 492 (Or. 1943) (remedy requirement governs mandamus relief)
- State ex rel LeVasseur v. Merten, 297 Or 577 (Or. 1984) (mandamus relief unavailable where adequate remedy exists)
- Bethke v. Bain, 193 Or 688 (Or. 1952) (adequacy of remedy bars mandamus relief)
- Habersham v. Sears, 11 Or 431 (Or. 1884) (remedy at law required for mandamus relief)
- State ex rel Dewberry v. Kulongoski, 346 Or 260 (Or. 2009) (declaratory relief context clarifies remedy at law precludes mandamus)