Legal Definitions - juridical act

A juridical act refers to an action or expression of will performed by a person or entity with the specific intention of creating, modifying, or ending legal rights and obligations. Essentially, it's an act that the law recognizes as having particular legal consequences because the person performing it meant for those consequences to happen.

• Example 1: Signing a Car Purchase Agreement

  Scenario: Sarah decides to buy a new car from a dealership. She signs a detailed purchase agreement that outlines the price, payment schedule, warranty, and delivery terms.

  Illustration: By signing this document, Sarah performs a juridical act. She intends to create a legal obligation for herself to pay for the car and for the dealership to transfer ownership of the car to her. Both parties are now legally bound by the terms of the agreement, demonstrating an act performed with the intent to create legal obligations.

• Example 2: Executing a Last Will and Testament

  Scenario: John, wanting to ensure his assets are distributed according to his wishes after his death, drafts and formally signs a last will and testament in the presence of witnesses, as required by law.

  Illustration: John's act of executing his will is a juridical act. He intends to create legal effects that will determine how his property is divided among his beneficiaries, who will be his executor, and potentially appoint guardians for his minor children. These are all legally binding instructions that take effect upon his passing, showing an act intended to modify legal rights and obligations posthumously.

• Example 3: Entering into a Marriage

  Scenario: Maria and David participate in a civil marriage ceremony, exchange vows, and sign a marriage certificate, which is then registered with the appropriate government authority.

  Illustration: Their act of getting married is a juridical act. They intend to create a new legal status for themselves as spouses, which comes with a host of legal rights and responsibilities, such as shared property rights, inheritance rights, and mutual support obligations, all recognized and enforced by law. This demonstrates an act performed with the intent to create a new legal status and associated rights and obligations.