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

But we have an extraordinary legal team, and they filed a mandamus with the 15th, this newly set-up court, and they came back, and the opinion, if you haven’t read it yet, is worth scanning.

From Slate • Oct. 15, 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

Justin Jones and Justin Pearson file for a writ of mandamus, Federal District Court, in Nashville, against the Tennessee Assembly.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 7, 2023

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

McCarren expressed no surprise, but when Holcomb announced his intention of bringing mandamus proceedings to compel the Sheriff to give the required certificates, Barney laid a protesting hand on his counsel’s arm.

From The Case and Exceptions Stories of Counsel and Clients by Hill, Frederick Trevor