Mandamus Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Mandamus.

Mandamus (noun)

A formal, written command in the form of a court order (also known as a "writ") requiring a government entity – like an office, agency, authority, or body – to perform a duty that it is legally obligated to carry out. This term is often used when, for example, an agency has not declared election schedules after the completion of a term, even though they are legally required to do so.