Board of Supervisors v. Simpson

In this mandamus proceeding, petitioner, the Board, of Supervisors of Los Angeles County, seeks to require respondent, district attorney of that county, to institute proceedings for the abatement of a certain public nuisance as directed by petitioner.

The undisputed petition shows that petitioner has been presented with facts and has determined that a certain building situated in Los Angeles County is being used for “lewdness, assignation and prostitution.” It directed respondent to commence an action to abate the nuisance, but respondent refused to act asserting that the duty of bringing the…