Landmark Cases Where the Writ of Mandamus Was Granted
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Court: U.S. Supreme Court
Key Point: While the Court ultimately denied the writ, this case is pivotal because it established the principle of judicial review.
Background: William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to compel Secretary of State James Madison to deliver his commission.
Holding: The Court held that the Judiciary Act of 1789, which granted the Court the power to issue such a writ in this context, was unconstitutional.
Importance: Set the foundation for the Supreme Court’s authority to declare laws unconstitutional.
Kendall v. United States ex rel. Stokes (1838)
Court: U.S. Supreme Court
Key Point: Affirmed the power of courts to issue mandamus to executive officers to perform ministerial duties.
Background: The Postmaster General refused to comply with a congressional statute ordering payment of funds.
Holding: The Court ruled mandamus was proper because the duty was ministerial (not discretionary).
Importance: Distinguished between ministerial and discretionary acts for mandamus purposes.
Robins v. United States (1984)
Court: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Key Point: Mandamus used to compel action where there was administrative delay in immigration processing.
Background: Immigration authorities unreasonably delayed action on adjustment of status applications.
Holding: Court recognized that unreasonable delay can justify mandamus.
Telecommunications Research and Action Center (TRAC) v. FCC (1984)
Court: U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit
Key Point: Established the TRAC factors, a test for when courts may issue mandamus or compel agency action.
Holding: Though the writ was not issued, the case is a foundation for modern mandamus jurisprudence in administrative law.
Importance: Frequently cited in immigration-related mandamus cases to determine whether a delay is unreasonable.
Cheney v. U.S. District Court (2004)
Court: U.S. Supreme Court
Key Point: Addressed the standards for granting mandamus in discovery disputes involving executive privilege.
Holding: Although the writ was ultimately not issued, the case reaffirmed that mandamus is appropriate only in “exceptional circumstances”.
Importance: Clarified that mandamus is a drastic and extraordinary remedy.