A writ of mandamus is an extraordinary court order directing a government official to perform a specific duty required by law. In Marbury v Madison, William Marbury sought a writ of mandamus to compel delivery of his commission. The Court inability to issue this writ led to the establishment of judicial review.
Writs of mandamus provide a mechanism for courts to ensure government officials perform their legal duties, affecting accountability and rule of law.
People think mandamus means courts can order anything. Mandamus only compels performance of existing legal duties, not creation of new obligations.
Writs of mandamus provide a mechanism for courts to ensure government officials perform their legal duties, affecting accountability and rule of law.
People think mandamus means courts can order anything. Mandamus only compels performance of existing legal duties, not creation of new obligations.