Writ | law (2024)

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writ, in common law, order issued by a court in the name of a sovereign authority requiring the performance of a specific act. The most common modern writs are those, such as the summons, used to initiate an action. Other writs may be used to enforce the judgment of a court (attachment, delivery) or to require a lower court to furnish certain records (error) or perform a certain act (mandamus).

Writs can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon kings, who used them primarily to convey grants of land, although they also made some effort to employ them for judicial purposes. Three main types of writ were in use by the early 13th century: charters, normally for grants of land and liberties in perpetuity; letters patent, for grants of limited duration and for commissions to royal officials; and letters close, to convey information or orders to a single person or to a definite group of people (differing from the other two types of writ in that the king’s seal authenticated and closed the document).

Writ | law (1)

More From Britannica

diplomatics: The English royal chancery

Writs began to be used in judicial matters by the Norman kings, who developed set formulas for them. The most important were original writs, for beginning actions; in many instances they served much the same purpose as the modern summons. They were issued to the defendant, requiring that he make amends or else appear in court. Other important writs were those of assistance, for the transference of property, and entry, for the recovery of land from which one had been wrongfully dispossessed.

The European civil-law system never developed a series of clearly defined writs, although it found other means to accomplish the same ends.

Writ | law (2024)

FAQs

Writ | law? ›

What Is a Writ? The term writ refers to a formal, legal document that orders a person or entity to perform or to cease performing a specific action or deed. Writs are drafted by judges, courts, or other entities that have administrative or judicial jurisdiction.

What does a writ mean in law? ›

A writ is an order issued by a legal authority with administrative or judicial powers, typically a court.

What are 3 types of writs? ›

There are three main types of writs: writs of mandate (sometimes called “mandamus”), writs of prohibition, and writs of review (sometimes called “certiorari”).

What does it mean to take a writ? ›

A writ is a directive from this court to a trial court, an administrative agency, or a person to do something or to stop doing something. Unlike appeals, which are heard as a matter of right, writ petitions are generally heard as a matter of discretion, and they are governed by equitable principles.

What is the difference between a writ and a Judgement? ›

After a judgment of possession is rendered by the court, the judge may then issue a writ of execution to begin the transfer of property. The judgment for possession states the plaintiff has a right to the property; the writ of execution actually begins the transfer process from a judgment debtor to a plaintiff.

What is the full meaning of writ? ›

writ noun (DOCUMENT)

a legal document from a law court that tells you that you will be involved in a legal process and explains what you must do: There have been at least seven writs issued against him for late payment of bills.

How do you use writ? ›

Writ is an archaic form of 'written'. So one can understand the idiom writ large as something written largely or magnified. However, it should always be in reference to a specific noun, used after said noun as an appositive, and not as a verbal phrase (e.g., is writ large). It does not require the use of commas.

What is the most powerful writ? ›

1)Habeas Corpus- To have a body. Most powerful and most used writ. If a person is detained illegally by the state, then the relatives, friends or the person himself / herself can use the writ of Habeas Corpus for the release of that person.

What is the most common writ? ›

The most common modern writs are those, such as the summons, used to initiate an action. Other writs may be used to enforce the judgment of a court (attachment, delivery) or to require a lower court to furnish certain records (error) or perform a certain act (mandamus).

What are the common law writs? ›

Common law writs are those that are not expressly prescribed by statute. There is no established time limit for filing a petition for a common law writ. However, parties should file a common law writ petition within 60 days of the challenged judgment, order, or decision.

What does it mean to deny a writ? ›

WorkComp Glossary: Writ Denied. Order from an Appellate Court, or the Supreme Court, when the court refuses to hear a case where one or more parties have filed a Petition for Writ of Review.

Why is it called a writ? ›

In its earliest form, a writ was simply a written order made by the English monarch to a specified person to undertake a specified action; for example, in the feudal era a military summons by the king to one of his tenants-in-chief to appear dressed for battle with retinue at a certain place and time.

What is another way of saying writ? ›

synonyms for writ

On this page you'll find 33 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to writ, such as: summons, command, decree, document, mandate, and paper.

Who hears cases after granting a writ? ›

Parties may file a “writ of certiorari” to the court, asking it to hear the case. If the writ is granted, the Supreme Court will take briefs and conduct oral argument. If the writ is not granted, the lower court's opinion stands.

What does a writ of attachment do? ›

A writ of attachment is commonly used by a plaintiff to secure a contingent lien on a defendant's property in the event that the plaintiff obtains a judgment against the defendant. There are various types of attachments including garnishment, sequestration and replevin.

How long do I have to move after a writ of possession in Georgia? ›

Once a writ of possession is issued, an eviction must be requested within thirty (30) days of the date of service or a newLandlord-Tenant (Dispossessory) Affidavit must be filed.

What is writ large in law? ›

private law `writ large. . It means that where a legal principle is so generally accepted by various nations as to be a common denominator of practically all civilized systems, it is justifiably applicable also by an international tribunal."

What is a writ of prohibition in legal terms? ›

A writ of prohibition is a judicial order that may be used, at a higher court's discretion, to prevent a lower court from interfering with the higher court's determination of a case pending an appeal.

What does writ large mean in a sentence? ›

If one thing is another thing writ large, it is similar to it but larger or more obvious: Hollywood is often said to be American society writ large.

What does the writ test? ›

The WRIT is a highly reliable assessment of cognitive abilities that can be used with individuals ages 4 to 85 years. Taking less than 30 minutes to administer, the WRIT assesses both verbal and nonverbal abilities, yielding a Verbal IQ and a Visual IQ, which generate a combined General IQ. Fast and reliable.

What is a writ in the form of command? ›

Writs are a form of written command in the name of a court or other legal authority to act, or abstain from acting, in a particular way. The Supreme Court (under Article 32) and the High Courts (under Article 226) can issue the writs of Habeas corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari and Quo-warranto.

What is the meaning of the writ of habeas corpus? ›

A writ of habeas corpus is used to bring a prisoner or other detainee (e.g. institutionalized mental patient) before the court to determine if the person's imprisonment or detention is lawful. A habeas petition proceeds as a civil action against the State agent (usually a warden) who holds the defendant in custody.

What is a writ legal example? ›

Example of a Writ

Once the writ is drafted, the property is seized by a court official or member of law enforcement. The property is then transferred or sold, with the proceeds going to the plaintiff in cash. Another example of a writ is the writ of seizure and sale is one example of a writ.

What is the privilege of the writ? ›

The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it. See ArtIII. S1. 6.9 Habeas Review.

What is the right of the writ? ›

English Law. a writ directed to a person who presided over a feudal court, directing him to render justice between his vassals in a dispute as to ownership of land: usually led to a trial in a royal court if feudal ownership was involved. Law.

What is a writ in America? ›

In modern legal practice, a writ is a formal, written order issued by a court "directing a person to take, or refrain from taking, a certain act." Examples of frequently used writs include prerogative writs, subpoenas and warrants.

What are writs in United States? ›

(a) The Supreme Court and all courts established by Act of Congress may issue all writs necessary or appropriate in aid of their respective jurisdictions and agreeable to the usages and principles of law. (b) An alternative writ or rule nisi may be issued by a justice or judge of a court which has jurisdiction.

Is the writ of habeas corpus good or bad? ›

The Court observed that"[t]he writ of habeas corpus is one of the centerpieces of our liberties. 'But the writ has potentialities for evil as well as for good. Abuse of the writ may undermine the orderly administration of justice and therefore weaken the forces of authority that are essential for civilization.

How long does a writ of mandamus take? ›

On average, a writ of mandamus will get results within 20 to 30 days. Typically, 60 days is the maximum time it will take as that is how long the US embassy or USCIS has to submit their answer to the mandamus order in court.

How many writs are there in law? ›

There are five kinds of writ – habeas corpus, mandamus, quo-warranto, prohibition, and certiorari.

What is the difference between a writ of mandate and a mandamus? ›

Mandate refers to the traditional writ, codified in Code of Civil Procedure sections 1085 and 1086, which require the absence of a “plain, speedy, and adequate remedy” as a basis for extraordinary relief. Mandamus refers to the administrative writ, and it is almost always preceded by the modifier administrative.

What is a writ requiring a person to be brought before a judge or court? ›

noun Law. a writ requiring a person to be brought before a judge or court, especially for investigation of a restraint of the person's liberty, used as a protection against illegal imprisonment.

What is an example of a writ of mandamus? ›

A writ of mandamus can be issued in order to compel a lower court or a government official to do something. For example, if a judge has a personal relationship with a party to a court case, that judge should appoint a new judge and a writ of mandamus could be issued if they do not.

What is a writ requiring an accused be brought before a judge? ›

habeas corpus - A writ that is often used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. A prisoner wanting to argue that there is not sufficient cause to be imprisoned would file a writ of habeas corpus.

What is the difference between write and writ? ›

Write and writes are present tense. Wrote (and writ) are the past tense version of write. Writing is both noun and verb with the verb a present participle, i.e., it's present tense using an -ing ending. Written is a past tense, specifically the past participle, albeit with an irregular ending.

What does mandamus mean in law? ›

Overview. A (writ of) mandamus is an order from a court to an inferior government official ordering the government official to properly fulfill their official duties or correct an abuse of discretion. (See, e.g. Cheney v. United States Dist. Court For D.C. (03-475) 542 U.S. 367 (2004) 334 F.

What are writs of assistance and why? ›

They were issued by the Court of Exchequer to help customs officials search for smuggled goods. These writs were called "writs of assistance" because they called upon sheriffs, other officials, and loyal subjects to "assist" the customs official in carrying out his duties.

What does writ mean in vocabulary? ›

A writ is a written document issuing a legal order.

What is another name for writ of execution? ›

A writ of execution (also known as an execution) is a court order granted to put in force a judgment of possession obtained by a plaintiff from a court.

What is a Supreme Court writ called? ›

Writs of Certiorari

The primary means to petition the court for review is to ask it to grant a writ of certiorari. This is a request that the Supreme Court order a lower court to send up the record of the case for review.

What are the 4 types of cases? ›

Types of Cases
  • Criminal Cases. Criminal cases involve enforcing public codes of behavior, which are codified in the laws of the state. ...
  • Civil Cases. Civil cases involve conflicts between people or institutions such as businesses, typically over money. ...
  • Family Cases.

What is the rule of 4? ›

The “rule of four” is the Supreme Court's practice of granting a petition for review only if there are at least four votes to do so. The rule is an unwritten internal one; it is not dictated by any law or the Constitution.

Who can overturn a Supreme Court decision? ›

Court can declare a law unconstitutional; allowing Congress to override Supreme Court decisions; imposing new judicial ethics rules for Justices; and expanding transparency through means such as allowing video recordings of Supreme Court proceedings.

How do you oppose a writ of attachment? ›

One way to defeat the writ of attachment proceeding in a breach of contract action is to demonstrate to the Court that the terms of the contract themselves are ambiguous, and can only be determined through discovery in a case, and possibly through a factual determination by a jury.

Is attachment the same thing as a writ of execution? ›

A writ of attachment demands the creditor's property prior to the outcome of a trial or judgment, whereas a writ of execution directs law enforcement to begin the transfer of property as the result of the conclusion of a legal judgment.

What is an example of a writ of attachment? ›

Some examples of attachable property are the following: farm products, inventory, equipment, final money judgements arising out of defendant's conduct of trade, business or profession, homestead exemption, any interest in real property, accounts receivable arising out of conduct by defendant of trade, business, or ...

Can a writ of possession be stopped in Georgia? ›

That Writ of Possession means the Sheriff has a court order to remove the people, pets, and things in the home and put them out of the house. And if your tenant files an appeal at just the right moment, that Writ of Possession may get stopped.

What a landlord Cannot do in Georgia? ›

Your landlord is responsible for repairs to keep the property in good condition. Georgia law says that a landlord cannot make a tenant make or pay for repairs, unless that tenant, his/her family or guests caused the damage. For serious repair problems, local housing code departments can inspect for possible violations.

Can you appeal a writ of possession in Georgia? ›

If the court rules in favor of the landlord at the eviction hearing, it will issue a writ of possession, and the eviction will begin. To avoid eviction, tenants can appeal the judgment within seven days.

What is a writ denied? ›

WorkComp Glossary:

Writ Denied. Order from an Appellate Court, or the Supreme Court, when the court refuses to hear a case where one or more parties have filed a Petition for Writ of Review.

What does it mean for a court to issue a writ of certiorari? ›

Writs of Certiorari

The primary means to petition the court for review is to ask it to grant a writ of certiorari. This is a request that the Supreme Court order a lower court to send up the record of the case for review.

What is an example of an error of law? ›

Examples of Errors of Law

The appellate court refused to listen to the state's case and awarded in favor of the plaintiff. Violation of due process: This occurs when the courts do not follow or allow a party to violate due process. It is a reversible error affecting the right to a fair trial.

What is writ of habeas corpus? ›

A writ of habeas corpus orders the custodian of an individual in custody to produce the individual before the court to make an inquiry concerning his or her detention, to appear for prosecution (ad prosequendum) or to appear to testify (ad testificandum).

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