mandamus
Court-issued directive
Mandamus is a court order commanding a government official or lower court to perform a duty required by law.
The writ literally means "we command" and is used when someone has failed to carry out an obligation they're legally bound to fulfill: The judge issued a mandamus compelling the agency to release the records.
It's a remedy of last resort, available only when no other adequate legal option exists.
Trial venue or sports surface
- tribunalJudicial decision-making body
- judiciaryLaw-interpreting government branch
- appellateRelating to appeals
- superior courtTribunal with general jurisdiction
lower court · federal court · administrative agency · public official · public body · judicial review · original jurisdiction · certiorari
Methodical arrangement or request
- directiveFormal command or instruction
- enforcementCompelling compliance with rules
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- obligationRequired task or commitment
coercion · requirement · compel · duty · performance · execution · obedience · legal remedy
Formal written appeal
- petitionerOne who formally requests
- respondentOne who gives answers
- plaintiffCivil case initiator
- defendantParty facing charges
filing · motion · hearing · appeal · remedy · relief · denial · granting
Writ requiring testimony
- injunctionCourt-ordered behavioral requirement
- summonsFormal court notification
- decreeAuthoritative legal command
- bench warrantJudicial command for arrest
writ of execution · interdict · precept · fiat · restraining order · court ruling · judgment · pronouncement
court
Trial venue or sports surface
- tribunalJudicial decision-making body
- judiciaryLaw-interpreting government branch
- appellateRelating to appeals
superior court · lower court · federal court · administrative agency · public official · public body · judicial review · original jurisdiction · certiorari
order
Methodical arrangement or request
- directiveFormal command or instruction
- enforcementCompelling compliance with rules
- complianceAdhering to requirements
obligation · coercion · requirement · compel · duty · performance · execution · obedience · legal remedy
petition
Formal written appeal
- petitionerOne who formally requests
- respondentOne who gives answers
- plaintiffCivil case initiator
defendant · filing · motion · hearing · appeal · remedy · relief · denial · granting · discretionary
subpoena
Writ requiring testimony
- injunctionCourt-ordered behavioral requirement
- summonsFormal court notification
- decreeAuthoritative legal command
bench warrant · writ of execution · interdict · precept · fiat · restraining order · court ruling · judgment · pronouncement · issuance
mandamusprohibition
Authoritative legal ban
injunction · restraining order · cease and desist · stay · temporary restraining order
command, demand, mandate, commanding, commander, commend, reprimand, mandatory, commandment