Writ of Audita Querela

/ˈrɪt əv ˈɔːdɪtə kwɪˈrɛlə/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A rare common law writ allowing a defendant to seek relief from a judgment due to a defense or discharge arising after the judgment was rendered.
    The defendant filed a writ of audita querela to challenge the enforcement of the debt after discovering new evidence.

Forms

  • writ of audita querela
  • writs of audita querela

Commentary

Historically significant but rarely used today, this writ permits a defendant to assert new defenses or discharge to bar enforcement of a judgment when no other remedy is available.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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Amicus Docs | Writ of Audita Querela Definition