What does "certiorari" refer to in legal proceedings?

The term "certiorari" refers to a specific type of writ that is issued by a higher court to review the decisions of a lower court. This legal mechanism allows the higher court to examine the records of the lower court case in order to determine if there were any errors in the application of the law or procedural issues that warrant further review. It is primarily used by the Supreme Court in the United States to select and hear cases, making it a crucial part of the appellate process.

Understanding this concept is important as it highlights the hierarchy of courts and the process through which appellate review occurs. In contrast, the other options pertain to different legal concepts, such as the nature of criminal cases, defenses presented in court, or financial matters like bail, none of which directly relate to the process signified by the term "certiorari."