Rule 6-5 - Original Actions(a)Original jurisdiction. The Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction in extraordinary actions as required by law, such as suits attacking the validity of statewide petitions filed under Amendment 7 of the Arkansas Constitution, or where the Supreme Court's contempt powers are at issue.(b)Procedure. In such proceedings, the procedure will conform to that prevailing in bench trials in the circuit courts. Upon filing the original pleading and payment of a filing fee, a summons or other process will be issued by the Clerk. The respondent's pleading must be filed within the time provided by the Rules of Civil Procedure.(c)Fact finding. Evidence upon issues of fact will be taken by a master to be appointed by the Court. As a condition to the appointment of a master, the Court may require both parties to file a bond for costs to be approved by the Clerk. Upon the filing of the master's findings, the parties shall file briefs as in other cases.(d)Fact finding unnecessary. When the issues involve questions of law only, and there is no need for appointment of a master to determine facts, the parties shall file briefs as in other cases. Time limits under Rule 4-4 will be calculated from the date the respondent's pleading is filed or due to be filed.Ark. R. Sup. Ct. & Ct. App. 6-5
Amended and effective 6/21/2018.