Mandamus, Writ of

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MANDAMUS, WRIT OF

(Latin: "We command.") A writ of mandamus is a judicial order to a lower court or to any agency or officer of any department of government, commanding the performance of a nondiscretionary act as a duty of office for the purpose of enforcing or recognizing an individual right or privilege.

(See marbury v. madison.)

Leonard W. Levy
(1986)