The writ of mandamus (Latin for “we command”) stems from ancient English law, and began as official commands issued by royals. These dictated that subjects would undertake specific acts within their expected duty in cases where a failure to do so had led to adverse effects.
Today, a writ of mandamus is a court order issued by a superior court to a lower court, tribunal, government officer, or public authority to execute a duty that they are obligated by law to complete.
With regards to immigration, a writ of mandamus is a judicial remedy that asks the court to order Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) — or another administrative entity — to issue a decision within a specified period of time.
