Final answer:
A writ of certiorari is an order issued by the Supreme Court to the lower court, requesting the records of a case for review. The Supreme Court decides which cases it will hear through this process. At least four out of the nine justices must agree to accept the case.
Step-by-step explanation:
A writ of certiorari, often abbreviated as cert., is an order issued by the Supreme Court to the lower court, requesting the records of a case for review. It is the process by which the Supreme Court exercises its discretion to decide which cases it will hear. In order for certiorari to be granted, at least four out of the nine justices must agree to accept the case.