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writ

noun

/rɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of writ

A legal document issued by a court that commands or authorizes a particular action.
"The judge issued a writ ordering the company to produce the requested documents."

Detailed meaning of writ

It is a written order that directs a person or entity to do something or to refrain from doing something. Writs are typically used in common law systems to enforce the rights and duties of individuals or to regulate legal proceedings. They can be issued for a variety of purposes, such as to compel someone to appear in court, to seize property, to enforce a judgment, or to protect a person's rights. The use of writs has declined in modern legal systems, but they still play a significant role in certain areas of law, such as habeas corpus writs, which protect individuals' rights to due process and freedom from unlawful detention. Writs must be handled with care and accuracy as they carry significant legal weight and can have serious consequences if not executed properly.

Example sentences containing writ

1. The plaintiff's attorney filed a writ challenging the legality of the search.
2. He received a writ of eviction after falling behind on his rent payments.
3. The defendant's lawyer argued that the writ was invalid due to a technicality.
4. The writ of habeas corpus is a crucial safeguard of individual rights.
5. She was surprised to receive a writ of summons to appear in court as a witness.
6. The writ of execution authorized the seizure of the debtor's assets to pay off the debt.

History and etymology of writ

The noun 'writ' has a rich etymology that can be traced back to Old English and Old High German. In Old English, it was known as 'writ' or 'writan,' which meant to write or inscribe. This term evolved from the Old High German word 'writan,' which also meant to write or draw. In the context of the legal system, a 'writ' is a written legal document issued by a court that commands or authorizes a particular action. The use of the term 'writ' in this context emphasizes the written nature of legal orders and commands, highlighting the importance of precise and documented instructions in the administration of justice. The etymology of 'writ' underscores the historical significance of written communication in the legal realm and its enduring role in legal processes today.

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Further usage examples of writ

1. The writ of certiorari allowed the Supreme Court to review the lower court's decision.
2. The tenant filed a writ of restitution after the landlord failed to make necessary repairs.
3. The writ of mandamus compelled the government agency to release the requested information.
4. The company's lawyer sought a writ of prohibition to prevent the release of sensitive documents.
5. The writ of attachment was used to freeze the defendant's assets pending the outcome of the lawsuit.
6. The judge issued a writ of habeas corpus to review the prisoner's detention.
7. A writ of mandamus compelled the government agency to act promptly.
8. The court granted a writ of execution to enforce the judgment.
9. The lawyer drafted a writ of certiorari to petition the Supreme Court.
10. He received a writ of eviction, forcing him to leave the property.
11. The sheriff served a writ of garnishment to seize the debtor's assets.
12. The plaintiff filed a writ of attachment to secure their claim.
13. The defendant was served with a writ of summons to appear in court.
14. The writ of possession granted ownership of the property to the buyer.
15. The judge issued a writ of injunction to halt the construction.
16. She sought a writ of replevin to recover her stolen property.
17. The court issued a writ of restitution to return the land to its owner.
18. The attorney requested a writ of prohibition against the regulatory agency.
19. The writ of habeas data protected individuals' personal information.
20. The writ of assistance authorized customs officials to search for contraband.
21. The magistrate issued a writ of fieri facias for the debtor's assets.
22. A writ of fieri facias led to the sale of his property to satisfy the debt.
23. The judge signed a writ of possession to remove the squatters.
24. The court issued a writ of error to review the lower court's decision.
25. She needed a writ of certiorari to appeal her case to the Supreme Court.