Required Sections in Petition for Writ of Certiorari

 The petition must comply with Supreme Court Rule 14 and include:

  • Cover Page (Rule 34):

    • Case name (petitioner v. respondent).

    • The Supreme Court docket number (left blank if new).

    • "Petition for a Writ of Certiorari" clearly stated.

  • Questions Presented (Rule 14.1(a)):

    • 1-3 concise legal questions the Court should decide.

  • List of Parties & Corporate Disclosure (Rule 14.1(b)):

    • Names of all parties and any parent companies.

  • Table of Contents & Authorities (Rule 14.1(c)):

    • Cases, statutes, and other legal authorities cited.

  • Opinions Below (Rule 14.1(d)):

    • Summarize the lower court’s decision(s).

  • Jurisdiction (Rule 14.1(e)):

    • Explain the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction (e.g., 28 U.S.C. § 1257 for state cases).

  • Constitutional/Statutory Provisions (Rule 14.1(f)):

    • Relevant laws at issue.

  • Statement of the Case (Rule 14.1(g)):

    • Factual and procedural background.

  • Reasons for Granting Certiorari (Rule 14.1(h)):

    • Argue why the case is important enough for Supreme Court review (e.g., circuit split, national significance).

  • Conclusion (Rule 14.1(i)):

    • A brief request for certiorari.

  • Appendix (Rule 14.1(j)):

    • Copies of the lower court opinions and judgment.