Writ of Mandamus

/ˈrɪt əv ˈmæn.də.məs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A judicial writ issued as a command to a lower court or public authority to perform a mandatory duty correctly.
    The court issued a writ of mandamus to compel the agency to deliver the records.

Forms

  • writs of mandamus

Commentary

Used primarily to enforce a public official's performance of a nondiscretionary duty; not appropriate to compel discretionary acts.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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Amicus Docs | Writ of Mandamus Definition