CHAPTER IV.—Proceedings upon Mandamus.
Writ of mandamus issued to whom, and its effect.Sect. 582. The writ of mandamus may be issued to any inferior tribunal, corporation, board, or person, to compel the performance of an act, which the law specially enjoins as a duty resulting from an office, trust, or station. But though it may require an inferior tribunal to exercise its judgment, or proceed to the discharge of any of its functions, it cannot control judicial discretion.
Not issued when there is other remedy.Sect. 583. This writ may not be issued in any case, where there is a plain and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of the law. It may issue on the information of the party beneficially interested.
Alternative or peremptory writ.Sect. 584. The writ is either alternative or peremptory. The alternative writ must state concisely the facts showing the obligation of the defendant to perform the act, and his omission to perform it, and command him, that immediately upon the receipt of the writ, or at some other specified time, he do the act required to be performed, or show cause before the court whence the writ issued, at a specified time and place, why he has not done so; and that he, then and there return the writ, with his certificate of having done as he is commanded. The peremptory writ must be in a similar form, except that the words requiring the defendant to show cause why he has not done as commanded, must be omitted.
Which issues first.Sect. 585. When the right to require the performance of the act is clear, and it is apparent that no valid excuse can be given for not performing it, a peremptory mandamus may be allowed in the first instance. In all other cases the alternative writ must be first issued.
Motion for writ, how made.Sect. 586. The motion for the writ must be made upon affidavit, and the court may require a notice of the application to be given to the adverse party, or may grant an order to show cause why it should not be allowed, or may grant the writ without notice.
Allowance indorsed, served personally. Contempt.Sect. 587. The allowance of the writ must be indorsed thereon, signed by a judge of the court granting it, and the writ must be served personally upon the defendant. If the defendant duly served neglect to return the same, he shall be proceeded against, as for a contempt.
