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Writ Of Prohibition
A writ of prohibition is a court order that tells a lower court or government agency to stop doing something it has no legal authority to do.
What it actually is
It is a formal request to a higher court to halt proceedings in a lower court or tribunal that is acting outside its jurisdiction or exceeding its legal power. This writ typically arises when a party believes the lower court is about to make a ruling it has no right to make, and it is filed before that ruling is finalized.
Why it matters in your case
If you are in a case and the court appears to be overstepping its authority, a writ of prohibition can stop the proceedings immediately, saving you time and expense. It matters because it prevents an invalid ruling from being issued, rather than forcing you to appeal after the fact.
The common misunderstanding
People often confuse a writ of prohibition with a restraining order or an appeal. Unlike an appeal, which challenges a decision already made, a writ of prohibition stops the court from acting in the first place.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.