What is the term for the writ issued when at least four Supreme Court justices want to review a case?

• A. Writ of Mandamus
• B. Petition for Review
• C. Writ of Certiorari
• D. Writ of Habeas Corpus

Answer: (C)

When at least four Supreme Court justices want to review a case, the Court issues a writ of certiorari. This writ orders the lower court to send up the case record for the Supreme Court to consider, signaling discretionary review—the Court decides which cases to hear. The process is governed by the Rule of Four: four justices must agree to grant cert for a case to be heard. This is different from a writ of mandamus (which compels official action), a writ of habeas corpus (which challenges unlawful detention), or a petition for review (not the formal term used for this Supreme Court procedure).