Writ - A written court order directing a person to take, or refrain from taking, a certain act.⏎
Tort - A civil, not criminal, wrong. A negligent or intentional injury against a person or property, with the exception of breach of contract.⏎
Uphold - The appellate court agrees with the lower court decision and allows it to stand. See affirmed.⏎
U.S. attorney - A lawyer appointed by the President in each judicial district to prosecute and defend cases for the federal government. The U.S. Attorney employs a staff of Assistant U.S. Attorneys who appear as the government's attorneys in individual cases.⏎