An order compelling a lower court or public corporation to perform in accordance with legitimacy is called_________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the name of a court order that compels a lower court, public body or official to carry out a duty they are legally required to perform.

Step 2: Explain the concept Writs are formal court orders. These are the main ones you should know for Government:

• Mandamus (Latin: "we command"): an order compelling a lower court, public corporation or public official to perform a public or statutory duty they have neglected or refused to perform.
• Habeas corpus (the "great writ"): an order requiring that a detained person be brought before a court, so the court can decide whether the detention is lawful. It protects personal liberty.
• Certiorari: an order bringing the proceedings of a lower court to a higher court for review or quashing.
• Prohibition: an order stopping a lower court or tribunal from acting beyond its powers.
• Ombudsman: not a writ at all. It is an official (in Nigeria, the Public Complaints Commission) who investigates complaints against public administration.

Step 3: Test the options

• A. The writ of mandamus: it compels performance of a duty, which matches the question.
• B. The great writ: this is another name for habeas corpus, which concerns unlawful detention, not compelling performance.
• C. The writ of ombudsman: no such writ exists. The ombudsman is an office.
• D. None of the above: wrong, because A fits.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A, the writ of mandamus.

Exam tip: Link the word to its meaning. Mandamus = "Must do" (it commands action). Habeas corpus = "Have the body" (produce the detained person). Prohibition = "Prevent" and Certiorari = "Check/Review".