warranto
1
9.9
A court order asking a person to show they have the right to hold a public office
- noun
- /wɔːˈrɑːn.toʊ/
- Archaic
:
warranto
- On May 15, Halverson filed her lawsuit against Hardcastle, an unusual petition for a writ of quo warranto that challenges the chief judge's authority over Halverson.
- writ of warranto
- quo warranto
Examples
-
After much debate, the judge decided to issue a writ of warranto regarding the district attorney's position.
-
The court granted a quo warranto to investigate the legitimacy of the mayor's appointment.
-
Citizens filed a warranto to challenge the current council member's authority to serve in office.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A court action asking what right someone has to hold an office
is the written legal action that requires someone to show their authority
Compounds
Surface Forms
Etymology
Warranto is from the same root as warrant ('guarantee' or 'permission') and was used for an old legal order. So a warranto is the court paper that asks someone to show by what 'authority' they hold a public office or right.