Which term describes the method by which higher courts review lower court decisions?

Which term describes the method by which higher courts review lower court decisions?

• A. Writ of Certiorari
• B. Habeas Corpus
• C. Mandamus
• D. Prohibition

Answer: (A)

Writ of Certiorari describes the process by which a higher court reviews the records of a lower court to determine whether there were errors of law or procedure. It is the standard mechanism for discretionary appellate review, allowing the higher court to select which cases to hear and correct mistakes from the lower court. Habeas corpus challenges unlawful detention rather than a general review of a court decision. Mandamus orders a government official to perform a duty, not to review the outcome of a case. Prohibition directs a court to stop acting when lacking jurisdiction, not the typical path for reviewing decisions. So the term describing the method by which higher courts review lower court decisions is writ of certiorari.

Writ of Certiorari describes the process by which a higher court reviews the records of a lower court to determine whether there were errors of law or procedure. It is the standard mechanism for discretionary appellate review, allowing the higher court to select which cases to hear and correct mistakes from the lower court. Habeas corpus challenges unlawful detention rather than a general review of a court decision. Mandamus orders a government official to perform a duty, not to review the outcome of a case. Prohibition directs a court to stop acting when lacking jurisdiction, not the typical path for reviewing decisions. So the term describing the method by which higher courts review lower court decisions is writ of certiorari.