User:Alex756/Writ of Wikimedius

The Writ of Wikimedius is a prerogative writ that has been created by Jimbo Wales in his authority as God-King over the realms of Wikipedia and Wikimedia. It applies to the Arbitration Committee and the Board of Trustees. The writ is invoked when a member wishes to submit a dispute to arbitration. It is within the discretion of Jimbo to issue such writ.

Jimbo has stated:

An appeal to the abritration committee will be officially heard upon referral by Jimbo and approval by any 4 committee members. That is, 4 votes to hear a case will result in the case being heard. [1]

Thus the writ may be invoked sua sponte by Jimbo or by petition from a member. Such petition may be lodged by contacting Jimbo with or without notice to the other party to the arbitration. Jimbo will contact the other party if he sees fit, or he may reject the petition or he may forward it to the arbitration committee.

The writ was created by Jimbo as part of his authority to resolve disputes that stems from his status as the founder of Wikipedia and the devolution of his prerogative powers upon the mediation and arbitration committees. As in most jurisdictions, it appears that at some future time the writ may be codified or otherwise modified to allow for a procedure whereby there is an orderly procedure for the arbitrators to establish a policy regarding the lodging of complaints with the arbitration committee.

See: Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration for the straw poll ratified rules of the arbitration committee. Note that even with the existence of these rules, it may be possible in special, limited circumstances to invoke this writ either through Jimbo Wales or the Board of Trustees of Wikimedia (or some committee of that body).