Mandamus, << man DAY muhs, >> is a court order that requires a person, lower court, government official, or an officer of a corporation to do a legal duty. On many occasions, a public official may be required to perform an act, such as to make a commission or sign a paper. If the official refuses to do the act, a writ of mandamus may be sought, and a court may order the official to do the act.
Mandamus can be obtained only where the law says the official must do the act, but not where the law says the official may decide whether to do it or not. In such a case, a court will not compel the official to decide in favor of the person seeking the writ of mandamus. But the court may compel the official to decide one way or the other.
