A writ of mandamus is a court order which compels someone to execute a duty which he or she is legally compelled to complete. This type of writ can also be used to order a lower court to complete a duty which is assigned by law. The writ of mandamus is rarely used, because it must be demonstrated that there is no other remedy available and that someone is suffering an injustice as a result of the failure to complete a legally required duty. It can also be very disruptive and for that reason judges are reluctant to grant such writs unless they are truly necessary.
5 posted on 06/16/2012 9:31:17 AM PDT by preacher
(Communism has only killed 100 million people: Let's give it another chance!)