Legal Definitions - ex gravi querela

Term: ex gravi querela
Definition: Ex gravi querela was a legal writ that allowed a person who was left land or property in a will to take legal action against the heir of the person who made the will. This was only possible if the land was in a city, town, or borough where it was allowed by custom. The writ was used when the heir entered and kept the land from the person who was supposed to inherit it. The writ was abolished in 1833 by the Real Property Limitation Act.
Example: John's uncle left him a house in his will, but his cousin refused to give it to him. John could use ex gravi querela to take legal action against his cousin and get the house that was rightfully his. This writ was only available in certain places where it was allowed by custom.