mandamus

A writ issued by a court requiring a public official or entity to perform a duty associated with that office or entity.

A legal proceeding seeking such a writ.

To serve or compel with such a writ.

To issue a mandamus to; serve with a mandamus.

In law, a writ issuing from a superior court, directed to an inferior court, an officer, a corporation, or other body, requiring the person or persons addressed to do some act therein specified, as being within their office and duty, as to admit or restore a person to an office or franchise, or to deliver papers, affix a seal to a paper, etc.

A writ issued by a superior court and directed to some inferior tribunal, or to some corporation or person exercising authority, commanding the performance of some specified duty.

A common law prerogative writ that compels a court or government officer to perform mandatory or purely ministerial duties correctly.

an extraordinary writ commanding an official to perform a ministerial act that the law recognizes as an absolute duty and not a matter for the official’s discretion; used only when all other judicial remedies fail