Who can issue writs of mandamus?

Asked by: Abigayle Fisher  |  Last update: February 15, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (24 votes)

A writ of mandamus is issued by a superior court (like a state supreme court or federal appellate court) to compel a lower court, government officer, corporation, or public body to perform a mandatory, non-discretionary duty they are legally required to do, acting as a legal command ("we command") to ensure proper performance of public duty or rights.

Who issues a writ of mandamus?

The All Writs Act (28 U.S. Code § 1651) gave the "Supreme Court and all courts established by Act of Congress" the authority to issue writs of mandamus "in aid of their respective jurisdictions and agreeable to the usages and principles of law."

Who is the authority to issue writs?

In India, writs are issued by the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution of India and by the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

Can I file my own writ of mandamus?

Technically, you can file a Mandamus lawsuit on your own, but working with an experienced immigration attorney is strongly recommended. Mandamus cases involve federal court procedures, strict filing rules, and specific jurisdiction requirements that are difficult to navigate without legal training.

Who can file a mandamus?

You may be eligible to file a writ of mandamus if:

  • You have a pending immigration case (such as a green card, naturalization, or visa application)
  • You've submitted all requested documents and met all requirements.
  • Your case is delayed well beyond published processing times.

5 Types of Writs | Constitutional Remedies | Article 32 and Article 226

24 related questions found

Can I file mandamus myself?

A mandamus lawsuit is filed in federal court, and while there are no laws preventing you from filing without an attorney, the process is complex and requires strict legal formatting, clear arguments, and proper service of legal documents.

Is a writ of mandamus difficult to get?

A writ of mandamus can potentially be very disruptive and because of that reason, most judges are extremely reluctant to grant these writs unless they are absolutely necessary.

How much does a writ of mandamus cost?

How Much Does Writ of Mandamus Cost? The cost of filing a petition for writ of mandamus in California is $500, but may vary in other states.

What are the prerequisites for mandamus?

For a writ of mandamus to be issued in a case alleging an officer's neglect of duty, the following must be established: (1) a clear legal right accruing to the petitioner; (2) a correlative duty incumbent upon the respondent to perform an act mandated by law; (3) the respondent neglected to perform such act; (4) the ...

What is the success rate of the writs of mandamus?

Mandamus lawsuit success rates are generally considered high (often cited as 70-95%+ for immigration delays), with many cases seeing positive movement or resolution after filing, though there's no single official statistic, as outcomes vary widely based on case specifics, jurisdiction, and attorney skill. Many lawsuits prompt the agency to act, resolving the issue before a court decision, often within months, especially for applications with quicker processing times like EADs.
 

What makes a writ enforceable?

A writ of execution is only enforceable on property currently possessed by the defendant. For property currently held by a third party such as salaries or savings in a bank account, the defendant needs to petition for a writ of garnishment to collect the judgment.

Who has the authority to grant a writ of habeas corpus?

- The writ of habeas corpus may be granted by the Supreme Court, or any member thereof, on any day and at any time, or by the Court of Appeals or any member thereof in the instances authorized by law, and if so granted it shall be enforceable anywhere in the Philippines, and may be made returnable before the court or ...

What courts can issue writs?

The Supreme Court, the circuit courts of appeals, and the district courts shall have power to issue all writs not specifically provided for by statute, which may be necessary for the exercise of their respective jurisdictions, and agreeable to the usages and principles of law."

Who may apply for mandamus?

A person in good faith who has an interest in the public authority doing its duties must file a writ petition for mandamus. The individual requesting mandamus must have the legal right to do so and must also have demanded that the duty be performed but been rejected by the appropriate authorities.

What are the grounds for mandamus?

It does not provide independent, substantive grounds for a suit. A mandamus plaintiff must demonstrate that: (1) he or she has a clear right to the relief requested; (2) the defendant has a clear duty to perform the act in question; and (3) no other adequate remedy is available. Iddir v.

What happens if a writ of mandamus is ignored?

If a writ of mandamus is ignored, the court can hold the non-compliant public official or body in contempt of court, leading to penalties like fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions, while potentially triggering further legal action, including appeals or criminal contempt proceedings, though often the lawsuit itself prompts the government to act to avoid these consequences. 

How can I file mandamus?

A writ of mandamus can be obtained by filing an application for leave and judicial review at the Federal Court of Canada. There are strict requirements as it relates to the documents, filing, and service of another party. Due to the complexity, it is highly recommended to retain the services of an immigration lawyer.

How to write a petition for writ of mandamus?

The filing must include:

  1. The name of the petitioner.
  2. The relief sought in the petition.
  3. Presentation of the issue.
  4. Facts and evidence to explain and support the petition.
  5. Reasons for the issuance of the mandamus.
  6. Copies of any orders, opinions, or parts of the record, as necessary.

What are the grounds for filing a writ petition?

Requests for writ petition are viable when a party feels a court made a legal error on a ruling. The victim believes they can be harmed in a way that direct appeal can't fix. The petitioner asks the lower court to be ordered to vacate its ruling and issue a new ruling without discretion.

What is the most a lawyer can charge per hour?

There's no single cap on what a lawyer can charge per hour; rates vary wildly, from $150-$500+ in smaller markets to well over $1,000 per hour for top partners at elite firms, with some even reaching $2,500 to $3,000+ for highly specialized bankruptcy or corporate work, depending on experience, location (e.g., NYC vs. rural areas), and specialty (like IP, complex litigation, or big law partners). Junior associates start lower, while senior partners in big firms command the highest rates. 

Is mandamus worth it?

For many stuck in administrative limbo, the answer is yes—a mandamus lawsuit can be a game-changer. It's particularly worth considering if: Your case has been pending far beyond normal timelines. You've exhausted all other remedies without success.

When to file a writ of mandamus?

You could file a petition for a writ of mandamus in these situations: To compel the lower court to rule on a motion, such as a post-conviction motion, that was filed a long time ago and no action was taken. To compel a lower court to decide a case that was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction in error.

What happens after a writ of mandamus is issued?

What Happens When a Writ of Mandamus is Issued? If a court agrees to issue a writ of mandamus, the appropriate government agency or court has no choice other than to follow the order. While the mandate could be contradicted by a higher-level court, the target of the writ must obey it until that happens.

Who to serve when suing USCIS?

Service on an Agency or Officer of the United States

To serve DHS, USCIS, ICE, or any DHS employee in their official capacity, including the DHS Secretary, the regulations state that the summons and complaint should be sent to the Office of the General Counsel at the address in Appendix A.

Who enforces Supreme Court orders?

The U.S. Marshals are required by statute to "execute all lawful writs, process, and orders issued under the authority of the United States." The 2018 review of contempt against the federal government notes that, historically, Presidents have complied with federal court orders and have not directed the U.S. Marshals ...