what is a writ 
the term writ refers to a formal legal document that orders a person or entity to perform or to cease performing a specific action or deed writs are drafted by judges courts or other entities that have administrative or judicial jurisdiction 1 these documents are part of common law and are often issued after a judgment is made giving those involved in a suit the ability to carry out the judgment writs can take many forms including summonses writs of execution writs of habeas corpus warrants and orders 