Myrna Coates, Relator v. the Honorable Mark Whittington, Judge, Respondent

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that the trial court abused its discretion by ordering the plaintiff to submit to a compulsory mental examination. The Court found that Rule 167a requires a showing that the plaintiff's mental condition is truly in controversy and that good cause exists, and that such an examination must be performed by a physician. Accordingly, the petition for a writ of mandamus was conditionally granted.