What is a writ of mandamus used for in Georgia?

A writ of mandamus in Georgia is a legal remedy that is specifically used to compel a government official to perform a legal duty that they are obligated to fulfill. This extraordinary remedy is employed when a party believes that a public official or agency has failed to execute their duties as required by law, and that no other adequate legal remedy exists.

The essence of a writ of mandamus lies in its function to ensure that public officials act in accordance with the law. For instance, if a local government fails to issue a permit that it is required to issue under state law, an affected party could seek a writ of mandamus to force the government to comply with its legal obligation.

Other options, while they address legal scenarios, do not align with the purpose of a writ of mandamus. The remedy does not provide financial compensation, stop criminal investigations, or mandate partnership dissolutions, as these situations are governed by different legal principles and remedies. Therefore, the clarity of purpose of the writ of mandamus is what makes the chosen answer the correct one in the context of Georgia law.