Legal Definitions - in casu consimili

Definition: In 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.

Example: Suppose John owns a piece of land, but he has leased it to Mary for her lifetime. Mary decides to sell the land to Tom without John's permission. In this case, John can use the writ of entry in casu consimili to sue for the return of the land.

The writ of entry in casu consimili originated in the second Statute of Westminster (13 Edw. I) ch. 24 (1285). This statute required the Chancery to issue a writ for any situation that called for a writ similar to one that had previously issued consimili casu ("in a like case").

The example illustrates how the writ of entry in casu consimili can be used to protect the rights of a person with a reversionary interest in land. It allows them to sue for the return of land that has been alienated without their permission.