Lat.: we command. An extraordinary writ, issued from a court to an official, compelling performance of an act that the law recognizes as an absolute duty, as distinct from acts that may be at the official's discretion.
EXAMPLE:
A state legislature passes a law that provides that, upon request, a person has the right to see any information the government has on file for that person. Kathy files such a request with the State's Attorney General and is refused access to her information. Unless the refusing party can show some compelling need for secrecy, a court will issue a writ of mandamus to the holder of the records, directing the release of the information.
see ministerial act
Congratulations! You're now booked up on what Mandamus means!
You'll probably need to reference a legal glossary during your pursuit of justice.
