Opinion
No. 2 CA-CIV 2715.
October 21, 1977.
Kenneth L. Allen, Tucson, for petitioners.
Bruce E. Babbitt, Atty. Gen., by Paul S. Harter, Asst. Atty. Gen., Phoenix, for respondents.
OPINION
This petition for special action challenges an order of the respondent court transferring a suit to Maricopa County. Since venue rulings are appropriately reviewable by special action, Southwest Forest Homes, Inc. v. Superior Court, 20 Ariz. App. 152, 510 P.2d 1057 (1973), we assume jurisdiction and grant relief.
The motion for change of venue alleged that the defendants were public officers and therefore under A.R.S. § 12-401(16) were entitled to be sued in Maricopa County, the principal office of the Department of Public Safety. An affidavit to this effect was filed in support of the motion. No controverting affidavit was filed. However, if the complaint on its face shows that the action could be brought in Pima County, the failure to controvert the affidavit does not mandate transfer. Tribolet v. Fowler, 77 Ariz. 59, 266 P.2d 1088 (1954).
Petitioners contend that venue was properly laid in Pima County under Rule 4(b), Rules of Civil Procedure for Special Actions, 17 A.R.S., which provides in pertinent part:
"An action brought in the Superior Court under this Rule shall be brought . . . in the case of a state officer or body, either in Maricopa County or in the county of residence of the plaintiff. . . ."
No question is raised as to whether the director of the Department of Public Safety is a "state officer" and correctly so since his duties and functions are co-extensive with the boundaries of the state. Cummings v. Ragen, 47 Ill. App.2d 27, 197 N.E.2d 469 (1964); cf., Hellman v. Marquardt, 111 Ariz. 95, 523 P.2d 792 (1974).
Our review of the allegations of the complaint filed below leads us to conclude that petitioners were actually seeking only special action relief distinguishing this case from Campbell v. Deddens, 21 Ariz. App. 295, 518 P.2d 1012 (1974). They were challenging certain acts of the Department of Public Safety, through its employees, as being arbitrary, capricious and beyond their authority. Such questions are appropriate for judicial resolution in a special action. Rule 3, Rules of Procedure for Special Actions.
We agree that the petitioners' pleading denominated "Complaint for Declaratory Relief" was misleading. However, such denomination was not controlling since pleadings must be so construed as to do substantial justice. Busy Bee Buffet v. Ferrell, 82 Ariz. 192, 310 P.2d 817 (1957). See Maricopa Realty Trust Company v. VRD Farms, Inc., 10 Ariz. App. 524, 460 P.2d 195 (1969). Furthermore, a liberal construction of the complaint in favor of the pleader is required in determining venue. Tribolet v. Fowler, supra; Pride v. Superior Court, 87 Ariz. 157, 348 P.2d 924 (1960).
Petitioners' complaint stated grounds for special action relief against state officers and therefore venue in Pima County, the residence of petitioners, was proper.
The order of the respondent court transferring the cause to Maricopa County is vacated.
HATHAWAY and RICHMOND, JJ., concurring.