Opinion ID: 2307542
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Writ of Mandamus Character and Function

Text: The character and function of a writ of mandamus in Delaware is the same that it was at common law. [5] The writ of mandamus is a command issued by a court of law having competent jurisdiction, to an inferior or lower court, to a tribunal or board, or to a corporation or person, requiring the performance of some duty named therein, said duty being attached to the official position of the party to whom the writ is directed, or resulting from operation of law. [6] When a person seeks to compel the performance of some duty by mandamus proceedings, that person must show a clear right to have the duty performed and the unavailability of any other adequate remedy. [7] The Delaware Constitution confers original jurisdiction on this Court to issue writs of mandamus to the Superior Court. [8] The Court will not issue a writ of mandamus to compel a trial court to perform a particular judicial function, to decide a matter in a particular way, or to dictate the control of its docket. [9] This Court will issue a writ of mandamus to a trial court only when the petitioner can show that there is the clear right to the performance of the duty at the time of the petition, no other adequate remedy is available, and the trial court has refused or failed to perform its duty. [10]