California Codes, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP, Part 3 — Of Special Proceedings of a Civil Nature, Title 1 — Of Writs of Review, Mandate, and Prohibition, Chapter 2 — Writ of Mandate, Section 1087
The writ may be either alternative or peremptory. The alternative writ must command the party to whom it is directed immediately after the receipt of the writ, or at some other specified time, to do the act required to be performed, or to show cause before the court at a time and place then or thereafter specified by court order why he has not done so. The peremptory writ must be in a similar form, except that the words requiring the party to show cause why he has not done as commanded must be omitted.
Notes
Defines writs of mandate as either alternative or peremptory. Requires an alternative writ to command immediate or specified-time performance or a showing of cause at the stated time and place, while requiring a peremptory writ to use similar form but omit the language allowing the recipient to show cause for nonperformance.
Use as reference
Lexinter.net | California Code, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP § 1087 | https://laws.lexinter.net/codes/california/code-of-civil-procedure/part-3/title-1/chapter-2/section-1087