Legal Definitions - exemplum

An exemplum refers to an official, authorized copy of a legal document. It is a duplicate that has been certified by a competent authority as being a true and accurate reproduction of the original. This certification often includes an official seal, stamp, or signature to attest to its authenticity and legal validity, making it as legally effective as the original for many purposes.

• Example 1: Certified Birth Certificate

  Imagine someone needs to apply for a passport and must provide proof of their citizenship. They contact the state's vital records office and request a certified copy of their birth certificate. The document they receive is an exemplum because it is an official duplicate of the original birth record, issued by a government authority and bearing an official seal or signature to confirm its authenticity and accuracy.

• Example 2: Court-Certified Judgment

  Consider a situation where a court in one state issues a judgment, and one of the parties needs to enforce that judgment in a different state. To do so, they would obtain a certified copy of the judgment from the clerk of the original court. This certified copy, stamped and signed by the court clerk, acts as an exemplum, providing official proof of the original judgment's existence and terms to the courts in the other state.

• Example 3: Authenticated Property Deed

  Suppose a homeowner is refinancing their mortgage and the bank requires an official record of their property ownership. While the original deed might be stored securely, the homeowner can obtain a certified copy from the county recorder's office where property records are kept. This certified copy, bearing the recorder's official stamp, is an exemplum, serving as an authorized and legally recognized duplicate of the original deed to confirm property ownership details.