Roger Townsend's Legal Resources
MANDAMUS NOTES
as a narrow contest about nothing more than the process due a single company that has fallen under its investigative scrutiny
With public scrutiny comes accountability; with secrecy comes the potential and appearance of despotism.
In fact, the possibility of improper influence is a fundamental reason why government officials in democracies are known to the public.
Those who volunteer time to government service deserve our commendation, but with government authority comes accountability. This Court should not cloak private citizens with the power to investigate and enforce state law while providing a blanket shield from public scrutiny. This public is entitled to know
rationalizations excessive concern with secrecy is not only unjustified, it is counterproductive
the charge that it is advancing a special interest rather than protecting the public good
the charge that it is advancing a special interest rather than protecting the public good
"Those who represent themselves have a fool for a client."
Third Circuit Denies Request for Mandamus Relief in Pedicle Screw Suits. This appeal essentially asked the Appellate Court to interfere in the middle of a litigation, before all other avenues for resolution had been fully explored. According to NASS' defense counsel, Shawn Collins, "This type of mandamus relief is seldom granted. Appellate courts usually do not interfere in the handling of cases during the litigation, but rather review what has happened after the fact. So there was a very high hurdle to clear."