When is a writ of certiorari typically used?

A writ of certiorari is primarily used when a higher court, such as the Supreme Court, seeks to review the record of a lower court. This legal instrument is typically employed to ensure that the decisions of lower courts are consistent with the law and to correct any potential errors in judicial proceedings. Certiorari is not a mechanism for starting new trials or enforcing judgments; instead, it serves as a means for a higher judicial authority to assess and evaluate the legal conclusions reached by a lower court. By requesting certiorari, a higher court can further explore significant legal questions or issues that arise from the lower court's decisions, effectively impacting the interpretation and application of law.