mandamus

American  

[man-dey-muhs] / mænˈdeɪ məs /

noun

plural

mandamuses

1. a writ from a superior court to an inferior court or to an officer, corporation, etc., commanding that a specified thing be done.

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verb (used with object)

1. to intimidate or serve with such writ.

mandamus British  

/ mænˈdeɪməs /

noun

1. law formerly a writ from, now an order of, a superior court commanding an inferior tribunal, public official, corporation, etc, to carry out a public duty

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Etymology

Origin of mandamus

From the Latin word mandāmus we command

Example Sentences

This only arose because the government filed a petition for a writ of mandamus asking a higher court to block this discovery.

From Slate • Aug. 1, 2025

“While it’s unlikely, it seems to me Cannon’s latest order is sufficiently bonkers that Jack Smith might at least entertain the thought of a mandamus motion,” tweeted attorney Robert Kelner.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2024

They were seeking what’s known as mandamus, which is a request to the court to order a government official to take an action.

From Washington Times • Mar. 1, 2023

The Supreme Court ruling only dismisses the petition — submitted by a group of parents in Chesapeake — that sought an unconventional form of relief called a writ of mandamus.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 7, 2022

If they do afford him a remedy, is it a mandamus from this court?

From Inquiry Into the Origin and Course of Political Parties in the United States by Van Buren, Martin