quo warranto

[kwoh waw-ran-toh, wo-]

noun

Law.

1. (formerly, in England) a writ calling upon a person to show by what authority they claim an office, franchise, or liberty.

2. (in England and the United States) a trial, hearing, or other legal proceeding initiated to determine by what authority one has an office, franchise, or liberty.

3. the pleading initiating a trial, hearing, or other legal proceeding initiated to determine by what authority one has an office, franchise, or liberty.

quo warranto

/ ˈkwəʊ wɒˈræntəʊ /

noun

1. law a proceeding initiated to determine or (formerly) a writ demanding by what authority a person claims an office, franchise, or privilege

Word History and Origins

Origin of quo warranto¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Medieval Latin quō warrantō “by what warrant”

Word History and Origins

Origin of quo warranto¹

from Medieval Latin: by what warrant

Example Sentences

The filing asks the state's highest court to grant a rarely used writ of quo warranto to oust Wu from his office.

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Whether through existing mandamus or quo warranto actions, state and federal officials—as well as private citizens—can seek to disqualify a candidate who has engaged in insurrection from holding office.

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Prosecutors sought permission to sue Calderon in a process known as a quo warranto.

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An attempt was made, however, to prevent judgment being rendered on the return of the writ of quo warranto.

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The “quo warranto” rolls show that a market every Wednesday and a fair on St Augustine’s day were granted to Simon son of Walter by King John.

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