Prohibition Definition: A legal restriction against the use of something or against certain conduct. Related Terms: Certiorari, Habeas Corpus, Quo Warranto, Mandamus For example, in the 1920s, both the USA and Canada enacted liquor prohibitions, outlawing the manufacture or use of alcoholic beverages (see poster, pictured). Prohibition also has another meaning, within administrative law. As certiorari seeks to have a decision overturned for want of jurisdiction (ultra vires), prohibition seeks to prevent a prospective decision; to stop a lower court or tribunal "from doing something in excess of its jurisdiction".1 REFERENCES Wade, William, Administrative Law (Oxford: University Press, 2000), page 592 (note 1). Categories & Topics: Criminal Law Dictionary Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!