State ex rel. Craft v. Schisler

In this case, we are again asked whether a city council must hold its meetings in public when required to do so by charter. For the reasons that follow, we hold that it must, and that relators are entitled to a peremptory writ of mandamus.

Section 4 of the Charter of the City of Portsmouth provides:

“At seven o’clock P.M. on the first Monday in January following a regular municipal election the Council shall meet at the usual place for holding Council meetings and the newly elected members shall assume the duties of office. Thereafter the Council shall meet at such times as may be prescribed by…