Definitions

1. noun

A court order requiring a government official or other person to perform a specific act

“The judge issued a mandamus to the city mayor, ordering him to fix the potholed roads within a month.”

2. noun

A writ or order of a superior court requiring a lower court or a public official to perform a specified judicial function or to take a specified action

“The mandamus was issued to ensure the lower court’s decision was in line with the state’s laws and regulations.”

3. verb

To issue or obtain a mandamus

“The lawyer managed to mandamus the court into revisiting the case and issuing a new verdict.”