The three types of mandamus are alternative mandamus, peremptory mandamus, continuing mandamus. The alternative mandamus is first issued in the application for relief, then the defendant can either perform the act demanded or show up to court saying why he/she did not perform the act. The peremptory mandamus is an absolute and unqualified command to the defendant to perform the act. It is issued when the defendant defaults on/fails to show sufficient cause in answer to an alternative mandamus. The continuing mandamus is issued to a lower authority in general public interest asking an officer or the authority to perform its tasks for a period of time to prevent miscarriage of justice.

Mandamus

A mandamus is an order to a public agency or governmental body to perform an act required by law when it has neglected or refused to do so. A person may petition for a writ of mandamus when an official has refused to fulfill a legal obligation, such as ordering an agency to release public records

order of a court commanding a lower court,board, or a person to comply with a duly ordered law.

Depends on the case