RULE 1.173 WRITS--CONTEMPT

When a case is assigned to a division of the court, that division gets certain powers to help it handle appeals properly. It can issue special court orders called writs. These include habeas corpus (used to challenge unlawful detention), mandamus (an order forcing someone to do their legal duty), quo warranto (used to challenge someone's right to hold a position or use a power), certiorari (an order to review a lower court's decision), and prohibition (an order stopping a lower court or official from taking an action). The division can use these tools to make sure it can fully handle the appeals assigned to it.

The division also has the power to enforce its own orders and protect the respect owed to its proceedings. If someone disobeys the division's orders or disrespects the court process, the division can hold that person in contempt. This means it can punish someone for ignoring its authority or interfering with its work.