Ex Parte Ward

This petition for writ of mandamus seeks an order directed to Judge Jack D. Carl of the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, directing him to grant a jury trial in an action for declaratory judgment where the petitioner has filed a counterclaim based on breach of contract. The petition is granted.

Petitioner Ward is employed by Health Science Products, Inc., and as an employee is entitled to hospital benefits for himself and his dependents under a group policy issued by Associated Industries of Alabama Group Health Benefits Trust (AIA). AIA is not a corporation in the true sense, but is a trust…