Legal Definitions - dedi et concessi

Dedi et concessi is a Latin phrase that translates to "I have given and conveyed."

Historically, this phrase was commonly used in legal documents, particularly deeds and charters, to formally declare the complete and unconditional transfer of property, rights, or interests from one party to another. It signified that the grantor (the one giving) had fully relinquished their claim and bestowed full ownership or a specific right upon the grantee (the one receiving), often as a gift or a grant.

While the exact Latin phrase is rarely used in modern legal practice, the underlying principle of formally giving and conveying property or rights remains a fundamental concept in property law and contract law today.

• Example 1: Medieval Land Grant

  Imagine a king in the 14th century wishing to reward a loyal baron with a vast estate. The royal charter documenting this transfer would likely contain the phrase "dedi et concessi" to legally establish that the king had formally and completely transferred ownership of the land, along with all associated rights and privileges, to the baron. This declaration made the baron the new rightful owner, with the full authority to use, manage, and inherit the estate.

• Example 2: Transfer of Easement Rights

  Consider a historical scenario where a landowner granted a neighboring farmer the right to cross their property to access a water source. A formal document outlining this agreement might state "dedi et concessi" to indicate that the landowner had formally given and conveyed a specific easement right (the right to cross the land) to the farmer. This didn't transfer ownership of the land itself, but it did formally transfer a specific, legally enforceable right over it.

• Example 3: Bequest in a Historical Will

  In an older will, a wealthy individual might have used language akin to "dedi et concessi" when bequeathing a valuable family heirloom, such as a rare painting, to a specific heir. By doing so, the testator (the person making the will) was formally declaring their intention to completely transfer ownership of that painting to the designated heir upon their death, ensuring there was no ambiguity about the transfer of title and possession.