BILL OF CERTIORARI Meaning and
Definition
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A bill of certiorari refers to a formal written request that is filed with an appellate court, typically the Supreme Court, seeking the review and potential reversal of a lower court's decision. The purpose of a bill of certiorari is to appeal the decision of a lower court by urging the higher court to exercise its discretionary power to review the case.
The bill of certiorari typically includes a concise statement of the legal issues in question, the reasons why the lower court's decision should be reversed or reconsidered, and any supporting arguments or evidence. It is essentially a legal document that lays out the grounds on which the petitioner believes there has been an error of law or procedure.
The Supreme Court, being a court of limited jurisdiction, has the authority to grant or deny the bill of certiorari based on its own discretion. If the Supreme Court grants certiorari, it means that they have agreed to review the case and consider the arguments and evidence presented.
The filing of a bill of certiorari is an important step in the appellate process as it provides an opportunity for the highest court to assess the legality and fairness of a lower court's decision. It serves as a mechanism for ensuring justice, maintaining consistency in the interpretation and application of laws, and resolving important legal questions that have broader implications for society.
