Ex Parte Coastal Training Institute

The issue presented in this petition for a writ of mandamus is whether, given the principles of the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination, the trial court abused its discretion in denying the petitioners' motion for a stay of civil proceedings while there is a possibility of a criminal action being brought against them arising out of an ongoing investigation.

In February 1990, Leslie Sawyer was employed by Coastal Training Institute ("Coastal"). Elizabeth Kammer, a petitioner in this case, was the owner of Coastal and its president. Joe Cameron, another petitioner, was also an…