is clear, and it is apparent that no valid excuse for nonperformance can be given.... ” Minn. Stat. § 586.04. An alternative writ commands a defendant to perform a particular act or show cause before the court as to why such performance is not required. Minn.Stat. § 586.03. Upon issuance of an alternative writ, the defendant may “answer in the same- manner as an answer to a complaint in a civil action.” Minn.Stat. § 586.08. Although the issuance of a writ of mandamus- is not a common proceeding, Minnesota courts have historically considered relief in mandamus on occasions such as this, where public employees allege that their dismissal, or adverse employment action, was in violation of various applicable civil service laws. See Schiltz v. City of Duluth, 449 N.W.2d 439, 440 (Minn.1990) (<HOLDING>); Stubben v. Bd. of Cty. Commissioners of
holding that a motion for a new trial in a mandamus proceeding is authorized and appealable in a mandamus proceeding brought by a discharged public employee seeking reinstatement and back pay holding when the state statute did not abrogate the common law rule the only available damage remedy in a mandamus action was one for making a false return and damages for the delay in doing the thing the mandamus sought to command could not be sought in the mandamus action holding that mandamus is appropriate remedy because temporary order granting visitation is not appealable holding that a workers compensation proceeding is a legal proceeding holding that mandamus was appropriate remedy because temporary order granting visitation is not appealable