Weird Word of the Week: Certiorari

According to Google, "certiorari" means "a writ or order by which a higher court reviews a decision of a lower court."

One of my Dear Readers brought this word to my attention, probably because of reading about the U.S. Supreme Court's many rulings in the past week or so.

A more complete definition is: "A formal request to a court challenging a legal decision of an administrative tribunal, judicial office or organization (eg. government) alleging that the decision has been irregular or incomplete or if there has been an error of law."

The Duhaime Law Dictionary adds, "Certiorari, if the application is successful, renders the decision at issue of no force or effect and null and void. Lawyers say it is quashed."