What is the purpose of a writ of certiorari?

• A. Grant a new trial
• B. Review the lower court decision
• C. Initiate impeachment
• D. Enforce court orders

Answer: (B)

The purpose of a writ of certiorari is to allow a higher court to review a decision from a lower court for legal errors or constitutional questions, rather than to retry the facts of the case. It’s a discretionary mechanism, meaning the higher court chooses which cases to take up, often to resolve important legal issues or conflicts among lower courts. It does not grant a new trial or re-litigate the facts, it does not initiate impeachment, and it does not enforce court orders—the review focuses on the legality and proper application of the law in the lower court’s decision.