Final answer:
A writ of certiorari is a submission to the U.S. Supreme Court requesting a review of a lower court's decision. It plays a crucial role in the U.S. legal system, allowing the Supreme Court to oversee and address important legal questions and conflicts arising from lower court decisions. The 'Rule of Four' requires the agreement of four Supreme Court justices to grant such a writ.
Step-by-step explanation:
A writ of certiorari is a formal request for the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision of a lower court. When a party files for a writ of certiorari, they are asking the Supreme Court to call up the records from a lower court so the case can be reviewed. This is essential in ensuring that legal errors can be corrected and key constitutional questions can be addressed at the highest level of the judiciary.
The Supreme Court receives petitions for writs of certiorari, commonly referred to as 'cert.', and selects cases that often involve critical legal issues, such as conflicts between lower court decisions or significant federal questions. To grant a writ of certiorari, at least four of the nine justices must agree to hear the case—this is known as the 'Rule of Four'.