In Re Maurer

MAJORITY OPINION

WANDA McKEE FOWLER, Justice.

This mandamus proceeding arises out of a defamation suit filed by Vonessa and John Beaird against the Harris County Sheriff, Tommy Thomas. Relator, Jill Maurer, a non-party witness in the defamation suit, complains of the trial court’s contempt judgment ordering her to answer certain questions and produce certain documents at her deposition. Specifically, she contends that the court’s order violates her First Amendment right to freedom of association because it forces her to disclose the identity of members of an organization known as the “Citizens…