Legal Definitions - writ of audita querela

A writ of audita querela is a legal document that allows a person to challenge a judgment or order that has already been made. It is used when new information or circumstances arise that were not known at the time of the original judgment or order.

For example, if a person is convicted of a crime and later discovers evidence that was not presented at the trial, they may file a writ of audita querela to challenge the conviction based on the new evidence.

Another example is if a person is ordered to pay a debt but later becomes unable to do so due to unforeseen circumstances, they may file a writ of audita querela to ask the court to reconsider the order based on their changed financial situation.

The writ of audita querela is a way for individuals to seek justice and fairness in situations where the original judgment or order no longer seems appropriate or just.