Certified Question

/ˈsɜːrtɪfaɪd ˈkwɛs.tʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal inquiry submitted by a lower court to a higher court asking for an authoritative ruling on a specific question of law.
    The appellate court issued a certified question to clarify the interpretation of the statute.

Forms

  • certified question

Commentary

Certified questions facilitate efficient resolution of legal issues by allowing higher courts to provide guidance before a final judgment.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

Draft confidently with Amicus

Create, negotiate, and sign agreements in one secure workspace—invite collaborators, track revisions, and keep audit-ready records automatically.

Open the Amicus app
Amicus Docs | Certified Question Definition