If an officer is not performing a duty required by law, which writ may be appropriate?

Correct answer: Mandamus

Correct answer: A, mandamus. Mandamus is a court command directing a public authority or officer to perform a legal public duty that has not been performed. It is not a general order to do anything a person wants; the duty must have a legal basis. Option A is correct because the question describes failure to perform a duty required by law. Option B, habeas corpus, is mainly used to seek the release of a person who is unlawfully detained. Option C, prohibition, is issued by a higher court to stop a lower court or tribunal from continuing a case outside its jurisdiction. Option D, certiorari, is generally used to quash or review an order of a lower court or tribunal in appropriate circumstances. Memory cue: mandamus means “perform the public duty.”