Petition for Certiorari

Peh-tish-on for sir-shi-uh-rare-eye
A formal request asking the Supreme Court of the United States to review a lower court decision.
The losing party filed a petition for certiorari in hopes of the Supreme Court overturning the appeals court decision.
There are many famous cases that began with a petition for certiorari. Examples include Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and Roe v. Wade (1973).
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the grounds for filing a petition for certiorari?

The petition must raise a significant legal question and convince the Court that it warrants review.

What is the likelihood of a petition for certiorari being granted?

The Supreme Court grants review for a very small percentage of petitions filed (usually less than 10%).

What happens if the petition is denied?

The lower court decision stands.

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