What is the difference between a discretionary appeal and a mandamus petition?

Appellate law in Washington deals with legal appeals. There are two types of appeals: discretionary appeals and mandamus petitions. A discretionary appeal is when an appellate court reviews a decision from a lower court and decides whether to hear the case. Appellate courts have the discretion as to whether to accept the appeal. This is a common type of appeal and is often seen in criminal cases. A mandamus petition is an alternative to a discretionary appeal. This type of petition asks an appellate court to order a government or institution to perform an official duty. It is more common when the lower court’s ruling affects a person’s rights and an institution’s duties. The main difference between a discretionary appeal and a mandamus petition is the actions of the appellate court. In a discretionary appeal, the appellate court decides whether to hear the case, while in a mandamus petition, the appellate court orders the government or institution to take action.

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