rhizoverbBeta
DictionarywritCourt order
noun

writ

RIT/rɪt/

A formal written order issued by a court.

The court issues a writ directing the sheriff to seize property.

A judge hands a blank folded document with official wax seal to a court officer, formal written court order represented by sealed document, no lettering.
Etymology
writOld Englishpiece of writing

Old English writ meant “that which is written,” a general piece of writing. Its use for documents under seal of legal authority led to the specialized sense of a court’s written order.

In context

misesmedia23:17
you have the right to exercise this writ which basically means bring me the body or who has the body bring the body of the defendant into the courtroom and justify his confinement
An Evening with Judge Andrew P. Napolitano

More examples

  • Her lawyer requests a writ of habeas corpus challenging her detention.
  • The agency must comply with the court's writ.
  • The clerk keeps copies of all writs issued by the court.

Forms

writ · writs

Similar words

order
Order is broader and need not be formally written.
subpoena
A subpoena specifically requires testimony or the production of evidence.