Writ of mandamus

From Conservapedia

A writ of mandamus is an extraordinary court order compelling an official to take an action in fulfillment of his duty.

For example: After assuming office in 1801, President Thomas Jefferson ordered Secratary of State James Madison not to deliver a sealed Judgeship Commission to William Marbury. William Marbury was appointed by the prior President, John Adams, shorty before leaving office; however, his judgeship commission was not delivered to him in time. Marbury would not actually become a Justice of the Peace until he recieved the Commission, so Marbury sued for a writ of mandamus ordering Madison deliver the commission. The Supreme Court denied Marbury's request in Marbury v. Madison (1803).