What is the purpose of a writ of mandamus?

The purpose of a writ of mandamus is to order a government body to perform a required act. This legal instrument is utilized when a party seeks to compel a public agency or governmental body to fulfill its statutory duties or obligations. It serves as a mechanism to ensure that public officials perform their assigned tasks, especially when there is a clear legal duty to act and in the absence of any other adequate means to achieve that objective.

For instance, if a government agency fails to take action required by law—such as issuing a permit or enforcing a regulation—an individual may petition the court for a writ of mandamus to mandate that the agency carry out its legal responsibilities. This is a crucial tool in the legal system to uphold the rule of law and ensure that governmental functions are conducted properly.