---
title: "Writ"
type: Legal Term
source: https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/writ
---

# Writ

A writ is a formal written order issued by a court commanding a person or entity to perform or cease performing a specific action. Historically, writs were the primary mechanism for initiating legal proceedings. In modern practice, some writs remain important: habeas corpus (challenging the legality of detention), mandamus (ordering a government official to perform a duty), certiorari (directing a lower court to send the record for review), and prohibition (preventing a lower court from exceeding its jurisdiction).

## Related Terms

- certiorari
- habeas-corpus
- injunction

## Related Cases

- marbury-v-madison
- ex-parte-mccardle

## Example

A prisoner files a writ of habeas corpus challenging their conviction on the grounds that they were denied effective assistance of counsel at trial.

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Source: [Writ — CaseBriefly](https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/writ)