Writ of Mandamus

Abstract

A writ of mandamus (also referred to as a writ of mandate) is a judicial order issued at the behest of a petitioner by a judge ordering any government, company, or public authority to perform an obligation they are constitutionally obliged to fulfil. When the jurisdiction of a higher court is necessary to compel a lower court or government entity to perform an obligation to enforce the law or to redress an infringement of discretion, a writ of mandamus may also be issued. The mandamus writ may be used to compel a job to be done, or it can cause an action to be stopped in some situations. By a petition to the judge, a writ of mandamus is acquired. When the acts (or inaction) of legislative agencies or corporate authorities are so unacceptable or egregious that the judicial system has to take urgent, emergency measures, a writ of mandamus is considered essential.