Life and Fire Insurance Company of New York v. Adams (34 U.S. 571)/Opinion of the Court

The court may, in its discretion, grant an alternative mandamus, if it deems it more conductive to public justice, and to prevent delays. Here all the parties express themselves ready to proceed in the cause. The district judge waives any formal rule and notice, and wishes no delay; and states his readiness now to show cause. Under such circumstances, all the purposes of a rule to show cause and notice are accomplished, and there is no necessity for directing such a rule and notice. The court, therefore, in my opinion, may properly proceed at once to the hearing of the cause, for the purpose of ascertaining whether a mandamus ought or ought not to be awarded.

The other judges concurred in the opinion of the chief justice; and the court directed the motion to come up on the next motion day.