cert petition

Definition

A request for the Supreme Court to hear a case, formally called a 'petition for writ of certiorari.' Succeeds about 1% of the time, making it the legal equivalent of a Hail Mary pass.

Example Usage

After losing on appeal, they filed a cert petition, hoping the Supreme Court would take up the constitutional question.

Origin

Shortened from 'certiorari,' Latin meaning 'to be more fully informed'

Fun Fact

The Supreme Court receives roughly 7,000-8,000 cert petitions annually but only grants about 100-150, meaning your odds are slightly worse than getting into an Ivy League school.

Source: Appellate and Supreme Court practice terminology

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