State Ex Rel. Reed v. Bruzzese, Unpublished Decision (6-29-2000)
State Ex Rel. Reed v. Bruzzese, Unpublished Decision (6-29-2000)
Opinion of the Court
Jurisdiction of the courts of appeals in hearing original mandamus actions is grounded in The Ohio Constitution, Article
For a writ of mandamus to issue, the relator must demonstrate: (1) that the relator has no plain and adequate remedy in the course of law; (2) that the respondent is under a clear legal duty to perform some act or acts; and (3) that relator has a clear legal right to the relief prayed for. See State ex rel.Berger v. McMonagle (1983),
Respondent, represented by the office of the Jefferson County Prosecutor, in his motion to dismiss, avers that: relator fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted; and specifically, that relator's claim is rendered moot by the April 25, 2000, order overruling relator's motion. That order reads in pertinent part: "The Court has considered the multitude of motions and requests filed by Defendant Pro Se and currently pending. None of these motions or requests are well-taken and all are over-ruled."
It has long been determined that a writ of mandamus will not issue to compel an act that has already been performed. See Stateex rel. Eads v. Callahan (1998),
It is clear from the record that respondent has ruled on relator's pending motion. It is equally clear that relator requested this court to compel an act that has already been performed. Resultantly, this court must dismiss relator's petition.
Relator next contends that respondent should grant his motion to release him from his incarceration based upon a sentencing agreement between relator and Jefferson County Common Pleas Judge John Mascio.
The history of this case reflects that Judge Mascio imposed upon relator an indefinite 10 to 25 year term of incarceration. Relator contends that Judge Mascio promised his release in eight years and some months if actual incarceration was not imposed. Relator also contends that Judge Mascio did not impose a term of actual incarceration. Relator further contends he would not have pled guilty had he known that Judge Mascio would not honor his promise.
It must be noted that courts are not required to accept as true assertions which are not supported with admissible evidence. Relator has not supported his contentions nor demonstrated a right to relief.
In a mandamus action a court of appeals can require an inferior court to exercise its judgment, or proceed to the discharge of its functions, but it cannot control the discretion of the trial court. See R.C.
As stated above, a writ of mandamus will not issue when there is a plain and adequate remedy at law. Since Judge Bruzzese has overruled relator's motion, the plain and adequate remedy at law is an appeal of that decision.
For the reasons stated above this Petition for Writ of Mandamus is hereby dismissed.
Respondent's Motion to Dismiss granted. Relator's Motion for Summary Judgment denied.
Costs taxed against relator.
Final order. Clerk to serve copy on the parties pursuant to the Civil Rules.
________________________ JUDGE EDWARD A. COX
________________________ JUDGE GENE DONOFRIO
________________________ JUDGE JOSEPH J. VUKOVICH
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.