Section 14 Purpose of Writ of Mandamus

• Library: Administrative Law 2011

Mandamus is an extraordinary remedy used to compel performance
of an act by a person who has an unequivocal legal duty to perform that act. State ex rel. Comm’rs of State Tax Comm’n v. Schneider,
609 S.W.2d 149, 151 (Mo. banc 1980). Mandamus will lie only when there is a clear, unequivocal, and specific right. State ex rel. Chassaing v. Mummert, 887 S.W.2d 573, 576 (Mo. banc 1994). The purpose of the writ is to execute, not adjudicate. Id. It has been held that a writ of mandamus issues only in a case of necessity to prevent injustice or great injury. State ex rel. Univ. Park Bldg....