What is a writ of certiorari?

A writ of certiorari is a significant legal tool used in the judicial system, particularly by higher courts like the Supreme Court, to oversee the decisions made by lower courts. When a court issues a writ of certiorari, it is essentially instructing the lower court to send the records of a case for the higher court to examine. This process allows the higher court to review how the case was handled and to determine whether the lower court made any legal errors that would warrant a reversal or alteration of its ruling.

This mechanism is important as it helps maintain the hierarchy within the judicial system, ensuring that legal principles are uniformly applied and that justice is upheld across different levels of courts. It is also a way for higher courts to address significant or unresolved legal issues, contributing to the development of law and protecting rights.

The other options reflect different legal concepts but do not accurately describe the function of a writ of certiorari, which specifically pertains to the review of a case from a lower court by a higher court.