a writ of error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a writ of error" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a formal written order from a higher court to review the decision of a lower court. Example: "The defendant filed a writ of error to challenge the ruling made by the trial court."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The company brings a writ of error.

Cornell University

A writ of error [graphic] / Williams delt. et sculpt.

Yale University

Defendants were convicted, and sued out a writ of error.

Cornell University

Thereupon a writ of error was sued out from this court.

Cornell University

466 (28 USCA §§ 861a, 861b), substituted an appeal for a writ of error.

Cornell University

Thereupon he sued out a writ of error from this court.

Cornell University

Judgment affirmed.' To review such judgment of affirmance the defendants have brought a writ of error.

Cornell University

From the judgment in the latter case, affirming the conviction, a writ of error was prosecuted.

Cornell University

To review this judgment the company has brought a writ of error.

Cornell University

A rehearing was denied and a writ of error from the supreme court refused.

Cornell University

The Supreme Court of Texas refused an application for a writ of error.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a writ of error", ensure the context clearly involves a formal legal appeal to a higher court, as it's a specific legal term.

Common error

Avoid using "a writ of error" as a general term for any legal disagreement. It specifically pertains to appealing a lower court's decision based on errors of law, not factual disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a writ of error" functions primarily as a noun phrase identifying a specific legal procedure. It is used to formally request a higher court to review a lower court's decision based on alleged errors of law, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a writ of error" is a formal and legal term referring to a specific procedure for appealing a court's decision based on errors of law. While still relevant, the phrase is increasingly replaced by more modern terms like "appeal to a higher court". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily used in academic and legal contexts. When writing, ensure the context involves a formal legal appeal, and consider alternative phrasing for broader or less formal situations. This ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeal to a higher court

Focuses on the act of appealing, specifying the destination court.

file an appeal

Emphasizes the action of submitting a formal appeal.

seek judicial review

Highlights the process of having a court re-examine a decision.

request appellate review

More specific, indicating a request for review at the appellate level.

challenge the verdict

Focuses on contesting the outcome of a trial or hearing.

reverse the decision

Aims to overturn the original ruling.

overturn the judgment

Seeks to invalidate the court's final judgment.

set aside the ruling

Aims to nullify the court's specific ruling or order.

invalidate the conviction

Specifically refers to overturning a criminal conviction.

quash the order

Refers to the act of voiding or suppressing a legal order.

FAQs

How is "a writ of error" used in a legal context?

In legal settings, "a writ of error" refers to a formal order from a higher court directing a lower court to send up the record of a case for review, typically based on alleged errors of law.

What's a modern alternative to "a writ of error"?

While "a writ of error" is a historical term, modern legal practice often uses the term "appeal to a higher court" to describe a similar process.

Is "a writ of error" the same as an appeal?

While related, "a writ of error" traditionally focused on errors of law, whereas an appeal can encompass both errors of law and factual disputes. The specific procedures and scope may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

When would someone seek "a writ of error"?

Someone would seek "a writ of error" (or its modern equivalent, an appeal) if they believe that a lower court made a significant legal mistake that affected the outcome of their case and warrants review by a higher court.