certiorari: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Legal
Quick answer
What does “certiorari” mean?
A writ or order by which a higher court reviews a decision of a lower court or tribunal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A writ or order by which a higher court reviews a decision of a lower court or tribunal.
A discretionary appellate review procedure, often used to determine whether a lower court or administrative agency has acted without jurisdiction, made an error of law apparent on the face of the record, or exceeded its authority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both jurisdictions but more central to the structure of US appellate review (especially Supreme Court writs of certiorari). In the UK, judicial review and statutory appeals are more common routes.
Connotations
Highly technical legal procedure; in the US, 'certiorari' is synonymous with the Supreme Court's choice to hear a case.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US legal contexts due to the 'writ of certiorari' being the primary means for the US Supreme Court to select cases.
Grammar
How to Use “certiorari” in a Sentence
[court] grants/denies certiorarito petition (the Supreme Court) for certiorarithe writ of certiorari was issuedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “certiorari” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Divisional Court may, in rare circumstances, order proceedings to be removed by certiorari.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used outside legal discussions related to litigation.
Academic
Exclusively in legal scholarship, judicial politics, or constitutional law.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core term in appellate procedure and administrative law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “certiorari”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “certiorari”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “certiorari”
- Using as a verb (e.g., 'The court certioraried the decision' - incorrect).
- Pronouncing the 't' as hard /t/ in American English (it's /ʃ/).
- Confusing with 'certification' or 'certificate'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an exclusively legal term pertaining to appellate procedure.
No, it is a noun. One 'files a petition for certiorari' or a court 'grants certiorari'.
It means the Supreme Court has declined to review the case. The lower court's decision stands.
An appeal as of right must be heard by the higher court. Certiorari is discretionary; the higher court chooses whether to review the case.
A writ or order by which a higher court reviews a decision of a lower court or tribunal.
Certiorari is usually formal, legal in register.
Certiorari: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɜːtiɔːˈrɑːri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɝːʃəˈrɑːri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The case didn't make it past certiorari.”
- “Cert was denied.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Sure, she's ore-ready' -> CERTiorari. The Supreme Court wants to be SURE and READY (informed) before it takes a case.
Conceptual Metaphor
A KEY to a higher door (the higher court's door). Granting certiorari is receiving the key to appeal.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a writ of certiorari?