In Re Hourani

OPINION

KEM THOMPSON FROST, Justice.

In this mandamus proceeding, we interpret and apply section 74.053 of the Texas Government Code, which governs a litigant’s right to object to assigned judges, commonly referred to as “visiting judges.” At issue is whether litigants who become parties after a visiting judge begins to preside in the case have a right to object under this statutory provision. 1

I.Factual and PROCEDURAL OVERVIEW

In April 1999, Value Recovery Group (“VRG”) filed suit against Monzer Hourani and numerous other parties. VRG named the relators, Elie Hourani and Diana El-mas, as…