Which writ is primarily used to obtain Supreme Court review of a lower court decision?

• A. Writ of certiorari
• B. Habeas corpus
• C. Pro se
• D. Stare decisis

Answer: (A)

Writ of certiorari is the mechanism by which the Supreme Court reviews decisions of lower courts. A party seeking Supreme Court review files a petition for certiorari, and the Court grants the petition if at least four justices agree (the Rule of Four). When granted, the writ directs the lower court to transmit the case records for the Supreme Court to review. This discretionary review process is the standard path to have a higher court examine a lower court’s decision. Habeas corpus challenges unlawful detention, not general appellate review. Pro se refers to representing oneself, not a review tool. Stare decisis is the doctrine of following precedent, not a method to obtain review.