A mandamus order would compel which person to perform the required act?

• A. The city council
• B. The county treasurer
• C. The clerk of the district court
• D. The municipal judge or clerk

Answer: (D)

Mandamus is a court order that obliges a public official to perform a duty imposed by law when there’s a clear obligation and the official has neglected to act. The person who can be compelled is a public officer or court official with a defined duty in the judicial process. A municipal judge or clerk fits this role because they are responsible for carrying out mandatory court-related tasks—things like issuing orders, processing filings, and handling routine court procedures. If they refuse to perform these ministerial duties, a mandamus order can compel them to act. The city council is a legislative body with policy decisions rather than a specific ministerial duty, and the county treasurer’s duties can be broader and more discretionary, making mandamus less directly applicable to them in this context.