certiorari

[ sur-shee-uh-rair-ahy, -rair-ee ]

noun

, Law.

1. a writ issuing from a superior court calling up the record of a proceeding in an inferior court for review.

certiorari

/ ˌsɜːtɪɔːˈrɛəraɪ /

noun

1. See prohibition, mandamus
   law an order of a superior court directing that a record of proceedings in a lower court be sent up for review See also mandamus prohibition

Word History and Origins

Origin of certiorari¹

First recorded in 1515–25; from Latin: “to be informed, certified,” literally, “made surer,” passive infinitive of certiōrāre “to inform,” verbal derivative of certior, comparative of certus “sure”; so called because the passive infinitive form occurred in the Latin original; certain

Word History and Origins

Origin of certiorari¹

C15: from legal Latin: to be informed

Example Sentences

Although the vote of individual justices isn’t listed, the denial of certiorari means there wasn’t at least three justices who would agree to take up the case when the issue came up in conference.

From Washington Blade

This month, LaPorta filed a petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court, asking the justices to reinstate the verdict.

From Washington Post

It takes a vote of four justices to grant a writ of certiorari, or agree to take up a case.

From Washington Blade

The obvious resource, therefore, was to obtain a writ of certiorari removing our indictment to the superior court.

From Project Gutenberg

He was compelled to surrender possession without the formality of a mandamus, quo warranto certiorari or appeal.

From Project Gutenberg

Under certain conditions, if the defendant's hardship could be definitely shown, a writ of certiorari and supersedeas might issue.

From Project Gutenberg

An appeal from the jurisdiction of the courts lies by way of certiorari.

From Project Gutenberg

Certiorari—To order the record from an inferior to a superior court.

From Project Gutenberg