Phares v. Ritchie

Neely, Justice:

This case presents one issue and one issue only with regard to proper venue in actions brought against State officials. In January 1975 the appellees filed a petition in the Circuit Court of Randolph County praying for the issuance of a writ of mandamus to require the appellant, Commissioner of Highways William S. Ritchie, Jr., to maintain a public road in the New Interest District of Randolph County, which had been maintained as a state road until some time in 1974. Appellees alleged they all owned land abutting the road and that they would suffer irreparable damage to the…