A writ of CERTIORARI is issued to:

Certiorari is issued to a governmental or inferior court/tribunal to QUASH an order it has made in excess of jurisdiction, which is vitiated by an error of law apparent on the face of the record, or which violates natural justice. It is a corrective writ, not a command to act. Mandamus commands the performance of a duty, habeas corpus secures release from unlawful detention, and quo warranto tests a claim to public office. Certiorari thus reviews and sets aside an erroneous inferior decision rather than directing fresh action.