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

Lynch also asked Judge Jackson to decide by next Tuesday so the department could request a writ of mandamus from the U.S.

From Salon • May 12, 2023

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

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 Washington Times • Feb. 7, 2022

His appointment as Councillor was by the King's writ of mandamus which was held, was contrary to the charter.

From The Loyalists of Massachusetts And the Other Side of the American Revolution by Stark, James H.