In Re Autonation, Inc. and Auto M. Imports North, Ltd., D/b/a Mercedes-Benz of Houston-North, Relators

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court conditionally granted a writ of mandamus, ordering the trial court to dismiss the Texas action and enforce the parties' mandatory forum‑selection clause, which required litigation in Florida. The Court held that mandamus relief is appropriate where a clear abuse of discretion exists and the forum‑selection clause is valid and enforceable. It distinguished the earlier DeSantis decision, noting that choice‑of‑law analysis does not control forum‑selection issues. Justice O’Neill filed a concurring opinion agreeing with the judgment but emphasizing the limited scope of the public‑policy exception.