Legal Definitions - fiat

A fiat refers to an official order or decree issued by an authority. This term often implies that the order is given without extensive justification, debate, or the usual procedural steps, making it seem somewhat arbitrary. Alternatively, within a legal context, a fiat can also describe a routine administrative order from a court, typically concerning procedural matters like scheduling or approving minor requests.

• Example 1 (Arbitrary Order): Imagine a situation where a national regulatory body, without prior public consultation or a formal hearing process, suddenly issues a directive mandating that all new electronic devices must include a specific, costly security feature, effective immediately. This unexpected and unilateral command would be considered a fiat because it's an authoritative order imposed without the usual deliberative process.

  How it illustrates the term: This example highlights the aspect of a fiat as an authoritative order that appears to be issued without extensive justification or the typical procedural steps, making it seem arbitrary or sudden.

• Example 2 (Routine Court Decree): In a complex civil lawsuit, both legal teams agree that they need more time to prepare for a deposition. They draft a joint request asking the judge for a one-week extension. The judge reviews the request and simply signs a brief order approving the extension. This signed approval, often a routine administrative action, is a type of fiat.

  How it illustrates the term: Here, the fiat is a routine court decree—a simple, administrative order from the judge that facilitates the procedural flow of the case without requiring a lengthy hearing or detailed justification.