James Randall Smith, David A. Jones, David Mitcham, and Charles Freeman, Relators v. J.f. Flack, County Auditor…

Summary

The Court conditionally granted the relators' writ of mandamus, holding that it has jurisdiction over the criminal law matter and that the County Auditor and Commissioners Court have a ministerial duty to pay court‑appointed attorney fees as set by trial judges and may not delegate that duty. The decision rests on a two‑part mandamus test and the inadequacy of any other remedy at law.