The Constitution broadly provides for five kinds of "prerogative" writs: habeas corpus, certiorari, mandamus, quo warranto and prohibition.

1. The writ of prohibition is issued by a higher court to a lower court prohibiting it from taking up a case because it falls outside the jurisdiction of the lower court.

2. The writ of habeas corpus is issued to a detaining authority, ordering the detainer to produce the detained person in the issuing court.

3. The writ of certiorari is issued to a lower court directing that the record of a case be sent to the higher court for review, together with all supporting files, evidence and documents.

4. The writ of mandamus is issued to a subordinate court, an officer of government, or a corporation or other institution commanding the performance of certain acts or duties.

5. The writ of quo warranto is issued against a person who claims or usurps a public office. Through this writ the court questions the authority by which the person supports his or her claim.