What is a writ of certiorari?

A writ of certiorari is a specific legal order issued by a higher court, such as the Supreme Court, instructing a lower court to send the complete record of a particular case for review. This process typically occurs when the higher court wants to examine the decisions made by the lower court, usually due to the significance of the legal questions involved or to resolve conflicting interpretations of the law among different courts. The issuance of this writ is a crucial aspect of the judicial review process, as it allows higher courts to oversee and ensure that lower courts are interpreting the law correctly.

Understanding this concept is fundamental in grasping how the appellate process functions within the judicial system, allowing higher courts the ability to maintain consistency and correctness in the application of the law. The other options presented focus on different aspects of legal procedures but do not accurately define the role of a writ of certiorari. Thus, it is essential to recognize its specific function in the hierarchy of courts.