writ of prohibition

noun

, Law.

1. a command by a higher court that a lower court shall not exercise jurisdiction in a particular case.

Word History and Origins

Origin of writ of prohibition¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

In its Thursday ruling, the Supreme Court ordered the lower court to quash the writ of prohibition, saying that High Plains has an alternative remedy through the appeals process.

From Washington Times

He concluded, “We deny the petitions for review and the petition for a writ of prohibition because the complained-of agency action is not final.”

From New York Times

But a Cole County judge issued a preliminary writ of prohibition on Friday blocking the vote, which was on the commission’s agenda for Wednesday.

From Washington Times

He should be well equipped, and honored with the necessary writs of prohibition for matters pertaining to his office, and with the privileges that may pertain to it.

From Project Gutenberg

The Thirteenth section of the Judiciary Act of 1789 authorized the circuit courts to issue writs of prohibition to the district courts, and the Supreme Court to issue such writs to the circuit courts.

From Project Gutenberg