Writ

Definition

A formal written order issued by a court, because apparently judges cannot just send a text message that says "do the thing." The most dramatic way to deliver instructions since Moses came down from the mountain.

Example Usage

"The court issued a writ of mandamus, which sounds like a spell from Harry Potter but unfortunately just means more paperwork."

Related Terms

Beginner

felony

A serious criminal offense that separates the 'I made a mistake' crowd from the 'you're going to federal prison' club, typically punishable by more than a year behind bars. Under U.S. law, felonies are the big leagues of crime—we're talking murder, arson, grand theft, not parking tickets. Conviction comes with the lifetime achievement award of losing certain rights and having to check that dreaded box on job applications forever.

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

ear

In law enforcement jargon, an informant or snitch embedded within a criminal organization who feeds intelligence to police. Not the kind of ear that hears music—the kind that ruins your criminal enterprise.

⚖️ Legal

Advanced

Malum Prohibitum

Latin for 'prohibited wrong'—conduct that's only illegal because a law says so, not because it's inherently evil (like driving on the left side of the road in the U.S.).

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

Litigation Hold

A legal obligation to preserve all potentially relevant documents and data once a lawsuit is reasonably anticipated. Your permission to never delete another email again.

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

Affidavit

A written statement where you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth — or at least whatever version of the truth your lawyer helped you rehearse. It is basically a pinky promise for adults with law degrees.

⚖️ Legal

Beginner

executor

The person appointed to administer a deceased person's estate according to their will, essentially the project manager of death. It's like being designated driver, but for someone's entire legacy.

⚖️ Legal

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lofl

laugh out f**king loud...