n.a hearing to determine by what authority someone has an office or franchise or liberty
英汉双解大词典
quo warranto/ˈkwəʊ wɒˈræntəʊ/
1.
N（名词）
a proceeding initiated to determine or (formerly) a writ demanding by what authority a person claims an office, franchise, or privilege 裁定或旧时责问某人根据什么行使职权或享受特权的诉讼程序或令状 [法律]