What Is Writ?

Writs are among the oldest instruments in common law, dating back to medieval England. In modern U.S. practice, the most commonly encountered writs include: writ of habeas corpus (requiring a detained person be brought before a court to determine whether the detention is lawful), writ of mandamus (ordering a government official or lower court to perform a duty), writ of certiorari (the Supreme Court's discretionary order to review a lower court decision), and writ of execution (authorizing enforcement of a court judgment, such as seizing assets). Writs of attachment and garnishment are used to secure assets before or after judgment — a writ of garnishment directs a third party (often an employer or bank) to withhold funds owed to a debtor. Most writs require a petition or motion to the court and are granted at the court's discretion. The procedures and terminology vary by jurisdiction — some states have replaced common-law writs with statutory motions, while federal courts retain specific writ procedures under the All Writs Act (28 U.S.C. § 1651).

Encountering a writ — whether it's a writ of garnishment on your business bank account or a writ of execution against your assets — demands immediate legal response. Deadlines are tight and consequences for non-compliance are severe. If you're seeking a writ (e.g., to enforce a judgment or compel action), you need an attorney who knows your jurisdiction's specific procedures. Either way, writs are not DIY territory.