Browning v. Placke

This original mandamus proceeding presents the question whether a district court may declare void the judgment of another district court. We hold that absent a showing that the prior court lacked jurisdiction, no such declaration is permissible.

In 1982, the Brownings recovered a judgment against Humble Exploration Company, Pat S. Holloway, and others. This judgment, rendered by the 162nd District Court of Dallas County after a jury trial, imposed a constructive trust on Humble/Holloway assets and awarded the Brownings actual and exemplary damages totaling $72 million. Humble/Holloway appealed…