Legal Definitions - greffier

A greffier is a historical term for a court registrar or recordkeeper. Originating from Law French, this individual was responsible for maintaining the official records and proceedings of a court.

A greffier is a historical term, primarily used in civil law systems, referring to an official responsible for maintaining the official records of a court or other public body. This individual acted as the chief recordkeeper or registrar, ensuring that all proceedings, decisions, and documents were accurately recorded and preserved.

• Example 1: Medieval French Court Proceedings

  Imagine a land dispute being heard in a French provincial court during the 15th century. The greffier would be present throughout the entire trial, meticulously transcribing all oral arguments, witness testimonies, and the final judgment delivered by the magistrate. These detailed notes would then be entered into the court's official register, creating a permanent record of the case.

  This illustrates the greffier's role as the "court recordkeeper," ensuring that every aspect of the legal proceedings was accurately documented and preserved for future reference or appeal.

• Example 2: Colonial Administration in Quebec

  During the French colonial period in Quebec, a family wishing to register the birth of a child or a transfer of property would visit the local administrative office. The official responsible for recording these vital statistics and property deeds in the public registry would be the greffier. Their signature and official seal would validate these records, making them legally binding and publicly accessible.

  Here, the greffier functions as a "registrar" for public records beyond just court proceedings, demonstrating their broader role in maintaining official documentation for the community.

• Example 3: Historical Legislative Assembly

  Consider a 17th-century legislative assembly in a European territory debating and passing new ordinances. The greffier of the assembly would be tasked with accurately documenting the proposals put forth, the discussions among members, the votes taken, and the final, approved text of each ordinance. These records would form the official legislative history of the territory.

  In this context, the greffier acts as the "recordkeeper" for a legislative body, ensuring that the official acts and decisions of the government are properly documented and preserved for posterity and legal reference.