Legal Definitions - casu consimili

Definition: Casu consimili is a Latin term that means "in a like case." It refers to a writ of entry that allows a person with a reversionary interest in land to sue for the return of land that has been alienated by a life tenant or a tenant by the curtesy. This writ was created under the second Statute of Westminster in 1285, which required the Chancery to issue a writ for any situation that called for a writ similar to one that had previously been issued in a similar case.

Examples: If a person owns a piece of land and leases it to someone else for their lifetime, the person who owns the land can use casu consimili to sue for the return of the land once the lease has expired. Similarly, if a husband dies and his wife is entitled to a life interest in his property, the husband's heirs can use casu consimili to sue for the return of the property once the wife dies.

These examples illustrate how casu consimili can be used to protect the interests of those who have a reversionary interest in land. It allows them to reclaim their property once the life tenant or tenant by the curtesy no longer has a right to it.