In examining the early development of common law, historians often focus on the rigid formalism of the writ system. A plaintiff could not simply present a grievance to the court; they had to select the exact writ that corresponded to their specific cause of action. If the wrong writ was chosen, the case was immediately dismissed, regardless of the underlying merit of the claim. In this context, the system of writs functioned less as a mechanism for achieving substantive justice and more as an intricate procedural filter. Consequently, many legitimate claims were effectively arrested before any evidence could even be heard by a judge.
Based on the passage, which of the following is the most accurate meaning of the word "arrested" as it is used in the final sentence?
- Aapprehended by law enforcement authorities
- Bformally presented to a judge for review
- abruptly halted or prevented from proceedingCevap
- Dguaranteed a fair and impartial hearing
- Epermanently and conclusively resolved