United States ex Rel. Redfield v. Windom, 137 U.S. 636 (1891)
U.S. Supreme Court
United States ex Rel. Redfield v. Windom, 137 U.S. 636 (1891)
United States ex Rel. Redfield v. Windom
No. 1301
Argued December 18, 1890
Decided January 12, 1891
137 U.S. 636
ERROR TO THE SUPREME COURT
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Syllabus
Cases cited in which it has been decided that a person holding public office may be compelled by writ of mandamus to perform the duties imposed upon him by law.
When the duty which the court is asked to enforce by mandamus is plainly ministerial, and the right of the party applying for the writ is clear, and he is without other adequate remedy, the writ may issue; but where the effect of the writ is to discharge or control the head of an Executive Department in the discharge of a duty involving the exercise of judgment or discretion, it should not issue.