General Motors Corporation, Relator v. Honorable R.w. Lawrence, Judge, Respondent

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court granted General Motors' petition for mandamus, holding that Judge Lawrence's discovery order was overly broad and an abuse of discretion, and that mandamus is an appropriate remedy to correct such an abuse. Discovery was limited to trucks from model years 1949‑1972 and all impact test results. The Court noted that compelling non‑relevant discovery is not a sanctionable act. Justice Ray filed a concurring opinion emphasizing the narrow scope of the Court's decision.