What court order is filed to compel immediate action or a quick hearing before a full trial?

• A. Order to Show Cause
• B. Writ of Mandamus
• C. Injunction
• D. Subpoena

Answer: (A)

An order to show cause is the procedural device used to obtain urgent relief and set a fast hearing before a full trial. When time is critical, a party can file this order along with supporting papers, asking the court to require the other side to appear and explain why the requested relief should not be granted. The court typically grants expedited consideration, often with short notice, so the matter can be resolved quickly.

Writ of mandamus isn’t aimed at private civil relief; it orders a government official or agency to perform a duty mandated by law, not a private party’s request for immediate action in a civil dispute. An injunction can provide urgent relief to prevent or compel conduct, but it’s usually sought through a separate motion for a temporary or preliminary injunction rather than via an order to show cause, and the question emphasizes the filing mechanism to obtain expedited hearing. A subpoena is merely a command to appear or produce documents and does not by itself grant relief or an expedited hearing.