writs of certiorari

A writ of certiorari is an order issued by a higher court, such as the Supreme Court, to review the decisions of a lower court. It essentially requests the lower court to send the case files for examination because the higher court believes there may be important legal issues to resolve. This process allows the higher court to select which cases it wants to hear, typically involving significant questions about the law. Most cases reaching the Supreme Court do so through a writ of certiorari, as it is not automatic but granted at the court’s discretion.