In Re: R. Thomas Williams--Appeal from County Court at Law of Houston County

NO. 12-07-00059-CV

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS

TWELFTH COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT

TYLER, TEXAS

IN RE: R. THOMAS WILLIAMS, ORIGINAL PROCEEDING

RELATOR

MEMORANDUM OPINION

Relator R. Thomas Williams filed a petition for writ of mandamus complaining of the respondent, the Honorable James A. Williamson, Justice of the Peace, Precinct #3, Houston County, Texas. Williams requests that we order Respondent to give his small claims petition a docket number and place the case on the court s docket.

A court of appeals has the authority to issue writs of mandamus against a judge of a district or county in the court of appeals district and all writs necessary to enforce its jurisdiction. Tex. Gov t Code Ann. 22.221 (Vernon 2004). We have no authority to issue a writ of mandamus against a justice of the peace unless it is necessary to enforce our jurisdiction. Easton v. Franks, 842 S.W.2d 772, 773 (Tex. App. Houston [1st Dist.] 1992, orig. proceeding). Williams does not argue that issuance of the writ is necessary to enforce our jurisdiction. Accordingly, the petition for writ of mandamus is dismissed for want of jurisdiction.

BRIAN HOYLE

Justice

Opinion delivered February 9, 2007.

Panel consisted of Worthen, C.J., Griffith, J., and Hoyle, J.

(PUBLISH)