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

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

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

Dennison that the state had no discretion to deny extradition on human rights concerns, but also that the federal courts lacked the ability to compel it through a write of mandamus.

From Slate • Jul. 29, 2022

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

In 1774 he was an addresser of Hutchinson, and the same year appointed mandamus councillor.

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