writ of certiorari

noun

Law.

1. certiorari.

Word History and Origins

Origin of writ of certiorari¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

The judicial system is famous for its thicket of impenetrable legalese, with terms like “nolo contendere” and “writ of certiorari” befuddling laypeople trying to keep up with courtroom drama.

Read more on Washington Post

So sure are Texas officials that the court, with its conservative majority, won’t agree to hear the case that they waived their right to respond to Mr. Hope’s petition for a writ of certiorari.

Read more on Washington Post

“This Court’s review is unwarranted, and the petition for a writ of certiorari should be denied.”

Read more on Seattle Times

When a party that has lost in a lower court wishes to obtain the Supreme Court’s review, it files a petition for a “writ of certiorari.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Only two justices — Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito — voted to take up the Grimm case, two shy of the four justices needed to grant writ of certiorari.

Read more on Washington Times