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(September 2008)| In common law, a writ is a formal written
order issued by a body with administrative or judicial
jurisdiction; in modern usage, this body is generally a court.
Warrants, prerogative writs and subpoenas are common types of
writs but there are many others. English law  Originally, a writ
became necessary, in most cases, to have a case heard in one of
the Royal Courts, such as the King's Bench or Common Pleas. Some
franchise courts, especially in the Counties Palatine, had their
own system of writs that often reflected or anticipated the
common law writs. The writ would act as a command that the case
be brought before the court issuing the writ, or it might
command some other act on the part of the recipient. Where a
plaintiff wished to have a case heard by a local court, or by an
Eyre if one happened to be visiting the County, there would be
no need to obtain a writ. Actions in local courts could usually
be started by an informal comp