Legal Definitions - investiture

Investiture refers to the formal ceremony where an individual is officially installed into a position, office, or rank. This often involves symbolic acts, such as presenting specific items or clothing that represent the authority and responsibilities of the new role. Historically, the term also referred to the formal act of transferring possession of land, particularly in feudal systems.

• Imagine a newly appointed federal judge attending a special court session for their official swearing-in. During this ceremony, they formally take their oath of office and are presented with, or don, their judicial robe for the first time in their new capacity. This entire event is an act of investiture, as it formally installs them into their judicial office with the symbolic wearing of the robe, which is the insignia of their position.

• Consider a university's inauguration ceremony for its new president. During this formal event, the new president might receive a presidential medallion or chain of office from the board of trustees, symbolizing the transfer of leadership and authority. This ceremony is an act of investiture, marking the official installation of the individual into the highest administrative office of the university, complete with symbolic regalia.

• Think about the solemn service held when a new bishop is installed to lead a diocese. During this religious ceremony, the bishop-elect is formally presented with symbols of their office, such as a crozier (pastoral staff) and a miter (ceremonial headdress), and takes their seat in the bishop's chair. This entire process is an investiture, formally placing the cleric into their ecclesiastical office with the presentation of specific vestments and items that signify their spiritual authority and role.