A prerogative writ is an outdated term for a writ issued by a court exercising unusual or discretionary power (as opposed to a writ of right). It is a writ directing a governmental agency, official, or other court. The prerogative writs are the writs of procedendo, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, habeas corpus, and certiorari.
[Last updated in July of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]