Opinion ID: 1813026
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: corresponding clear duty

Text: For mandamus to lie, a corresponding clear duty must exist on the part of the respondent to perform the act in question. See State ex rel. Upper Republican NRD v. District Judges, 273 Neb. 148, 728 N.W.2d 275 (2007). This court has declared that courts have a duty to maintain public confidence in the legal system and to protect and enhance the attorney-client relationship in all its dimensions. State v. Hawes, 251 Neb. 305, 556 N.W.2d 634 (1996). Both the fiduciary relationship existing between attorney and client and the proper functioning of the legal system require the preservation by the attorney of confidences and secrets of one who has employed or sought to employ him or her. Id. We conclude that the district court had a clear duty to protect the attorney-client privilege asserted.