Legal Definitions - Custos Sigilli

Custos Sigilli is a Latin term that translates to "custodian of the seal" or "keeper of the seal." In legal and governmental contexts, it refers to the official responsible for the safekeeping and proper use of a great seal. A great seal is a significant emblem of authority used to authenticate important documents, decrees, and official acts. The individual holding this position ensures the seal is applied only to legitimate instruments, thereby validating their authenticity and legal force. This role is crucial for maintaining the integrity and authority of the entity represented by the seal, often a monarch, state, or government.

• Example 1 (Historical Monarchy): Consider a historical kingdom where the monarch issues a royal charter granting new rights to a city. This crucial document, outlining the city's privileges, would need to be officially recognized as emanating directly from the king. The Custos Sigilli, often a high-ranking minister such as the Lord Chancellor, would be the sole individual authorized to affix the Great Seal of the Realm to this charter.

  Explanation: In this scenario, the Lord Chancellor acts as the Custos Sigilli by physically holding the Great Seal and ensuring its application only to genuine royal charters. Their role guarantees that the document granting rights to the city is truly an official act of the monarch, giving it legal validity and preventing any unauthorized or forged claims.

• Example 2 (Modern State Government): In many U.S. states, the Secretary of State performs duties analogous to a Custos Sigilli. For instance, when a state government issues official proclamations, certifies election results, or authenticates the signatures of public officials for use in other jurisdictions (apostilles), these documents often bear the impression of the state seal.

  Explanation: The Secretary of State, as the keeper of the state seal, embodies the function of a Custos Sigilli. They are responsible for safeguarding the seal and overseeing its proper application to official state documents, ensuring their authenticity and legal recognition, much like a historical custodian of a great seal.

• Example 3 (University Administration): A major university might have an official seal used to authenticate diplomas, transcripts, and other formal academic documents. The university's Registrar or a designated legal officer might be the individual entrusted with the custody of this seal and the authority to oversee its application to ensure the authenticity of academic records.

  Explanation: Here, the Registrar or legal officer acts as the Custos Sigilli for the university. Their responsibility for the safekeeping and controlled use of the university seal ensures that all diplomas and transcripts bearing the seal are genuine and officially recognized, upholding the integrity of the institution's academic credentials.