Legal Definitions - quo warranto

Quo warranto is a legal term that means "by what authority". It is a type of legal action that can be used to challenge a person's right to hold a public or corporate office. It can also be used to revoke a corporation's charter.

For example, if someone is holding a public office but it is discovered that they do not meet the qualifications for that office, a quo warranto action can be brought to challenge their right to hold that office. Similarly, if a corporation is found to be engaging in illegal activities, a quo warranto action can be used to revoke its charter.

Individual members of the public have standing to bring a petition for writ of quo warranto if they are citizens and taxpayers. The purpose of the writ of quo warranto is to determine whether an office holder is legally authorized to perform the duties of their office.

Overall, quo warranto is a legal tool that can be used to ensure that those in positions of power are qualified and authorized to hold those positions.