writ of error

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Explanation of "Writ of Error"

Definition: A "writ of error" is a legal document issued by a higher court (called an appellate court) that orders a lower court to send the records of a trial so that the higher court can review the case for any mistakes.

Usage Instructions

• Context: You would typically use "writ of error" in legal discussions or when talking about court cases and appeals.
• Formality: The term is formal, so it is mostly used in legal writing or discussions.

Example

• "The defendant filed a writ of error to challenge the decision made by the lower court."

Advanced Usage

• In legal contexts, a "writ of error" is often part of the appellate process, where one party believes that there were significant errors in how the law was applied during their trial.

Word Variants

• Writ: A general term for any formal written order issued by a court.
• Error: A mistake or inaccuracy, especially in a legal context.

Different Meaning

• Outside of legal contexts, "writ" can refer to any formal document or written command, but "writ of error" specifically pertains to legal proceedings.

Synonyms

• Appeal: A request for a higher court to review a case.
• Judicial review: The process by which a court reviews the actions of lower courts or other public bodies.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "writ of error." However, you might encounter phrases like "taking it to court" or "appealing a decision," which convey similar legal actions.

Summary

In summary, a "writ of error" is an important legal term that refers to a higher court's order to review the records of a trial for potential errors.

Academic

Noun

1. a judicial writ from an appellate court ordering the court of record to produce the records of trial