MANDAMUS

mandamus (man-day-m<<schwa>>s), n. [Latin “we command”] A writ issued by a superior court to compel a lower court or a government officer to perform mandatory or purely ministerial duties correctly. — Also termed writ of mandamus; mandate; (in BrE) order. [Cases: Mandamus

1. C.J.S. Mandamus §§ 2–6.] Pl. mandamuses. — mandamus,vb.

alternative mandamus.A mandamus issued upon the first application for relief, commanding the defendant either to perform the act demanded or to appear before the court at a specified time to show cause for not performing it. [Cases: Mandamus 158. C.J.S. Mandamus § 343.]

peremptory mandamus.An absolute and unqualified command to the defendant to do the act in question. • It is issued when the defendant defaults on, or fails to show sufficient cause in answer to, an alternative mandamus. [Cases: Mandamus 179. C.J.S. Mandamus § 376.]

[Blacks Law 8th]