Mandamus is a legal term referring to a court order that compels a government official or agency to perform a specific duty required by law. It is often used when a person believes that their legal rights are being denied due to inaction or failure to act by a public authority. This type of order is typically issued by higher courts, such as supreme courts or appellate courts, to ensure that officials fulfill their responsibilities. Mandamus is not used to direct how a duty should be performed, but rather to ensure that the duty is carried out.