Quo Warranto

Quo Warranto, the title of a writ by which a person or corporate body is summoned to show by what warrant a particular franchise or office is claimed. In the reigns of Charles II. and James II. the writ was used oppressively, for the purpose of depriving cities and boroughs of their liberties. At the present day an information in the nature of a quo warranto may be filed, with the leave of the court; disputed questions in regard to municipal offices, &c. are sometimes brought to trial in this way. The information is now regarded as a form of civil process.