Ex Parte Locklear Chrysler Jeep Dodge, LLC, and Locklear Automotive Group, Inc. (in Re: Rhonda Cook v. Locklear…

Summary

The court held that the trial court exceeded its discretion by permitting the purchasers to conduct merits-based discovery while Locklear's motions to compel arbitration remained unresolved. Discovery during that period could proceed only as necessary to determine whether the parties agreed to arbitrate their disputes. Because merits discovery could not be undone and Locklear lacked an adequate remedy by appeal, the court granted mandamus and directed the trial court to vacate the discovery orders.