Legal Definitions - investitive fact

An investitive fact is an event or circumstance that brings a new legal right, power, or status into existence. It is a foundational fact upon which a legal relationship or entitlement is established.

• Example 1: The Birth of a Child

  When a child is born, their birth is an investitive fact. This event immediately creates a new legal status for the individual as a person, granting them fundamental rights such as citizenship, the right to a name, and the right to inherit property. It also establishes legal relationships with their parents, including parental rights and responsibilities.

• Example 2: Signing a Lease Agreement

  The act of two parties signing a legally binding lease agreement for an apartment serves as an investitive fact. This action creates a new legal relationship between the landlord and the tenant. For the tenant, it establishes the legal right to occupy the property for a specified period, while for the landlord, it creates the right to receive rent payments and enforce other terms of the lease.

• Example 3: Reaching the Age of Majority

  In many jurisdictions, turning 18 years old is an investitive fact. This specific event creates a new legal status for an individual, transitioning them from a minor to an adult. This new status confers numerous legal rights and powers that they did not possess before, such as the right to vote, the ability to enter into contracts independently, and the right to purchase alcohol or tobacco products.