“THE FROG AND OX”, OR THE QUERULENT’S MISUNDERSTOOD QUEST
The aim of this article is to draw an overall portrait of knowledge on querulence, which corresponds to a set of behaviors through which an individual shows inordinate persistency in his complaints and legal proceedings in a quest for justice and reparation. We will thoroughly define the concept, and explore how it has evolved within the German, the French, and the English clinical and judiciary traditions. We will critically examine hypotheses about possible underlying psychopathologies. Finally, we will discuss measures and guidelines developed over the years to help individuals more likely to deal with querulence (e.g., clinical, court, and ombudsmen staff).