A "writ of mandate" is a legal document that orders a government official, agency, or body to perform a specific action. Some synonyms for this term include "writ of mandamus," "writ of injunction," "writ of prohibition," "writ of certiorari," and "writ of habeas corpus." Each of these writs has a specific legal function, but they all share the purpose of compelling a particular action from a government entity. Writs of mandate are often used in cases where a citizen or organization feels that their rights have been violated by a government decision or action, and they seek a legal remedy to compel action or prevent harm.