What is a 'writ'?

A 'writ' is a formal order issued by a court, commanding the person to whom it is addressed to perform or refrain from performing a specified act. This legal instrument is used primarily to enforce rights and establish jurisdiction in various legal matters. Writs can take several forms, such as a writ of habeas corpus, which requires a person holding another to bring them before a court, or a writ of mandamus, which directs a public official to perform a duty that they are obligated to complete.

While the other options present related concepts within the legal system, they do not accurately define a writ. A document used to negotiate settlements does not compel action or compliance in the same manner a court's order would. A legal term for witness testimony does not pertain to the procedural or authoritative communication that a writ represents. An informal request for judicial review is also not a formal order and lacks the binding authority that characterizes a writ. Thus, understanding a writ as a formal court order is essential in grasping its significance in legal practice and procedure.