State ex rel. Sargent v. Lewis

David Newbern, Justice.

Appellant Harold (“Butch”) Sargent ran for Sheriff of Van Buren County in 1966 and was defeated by Mike Bridges who was seeking reelection. Mr. Sargent accused Sheriff Bridges of having committed a misdemeanor by violating an election law. Mr. Sargent presented his case to Clinton Municipal Judge Jack Lewis and asked Judge Lewis to issue a warrant or summons to Sheriff Bridges. Judge Lewis refused, and Mr. Sargent petitioned the Van Burén Circuit Court for a writ of mandamus to compel Judge Lewis to issue a warrant or summons. Mr. Sargent appeals from the denial of that…