Legal Definitions - proprio jure

Proprio jure is a Latin phrase meaning in one's own right or in one's own capacity. It describes a situation where an individual acts directly on their own behalf, exercising personal authority or entitlements, rather than acting as a representative, agent, or guardian for another person or entity. Historically, it often emphasized an individual's direct ownership or control over their own property.

• Example 1: Property Ownership

  An individual named Sarah inherited a piece of land from her grandparents. She is an adult and legally competent. When she decides to sell the land to a developer, she signs all the necessary documents herself and receives the proceeds directly.

  This illustrates Sarah acting proprio jure because she is selling the land based on her own legal ownership and personal decision. She holds the property rights directly and is exercising them without needing permission or approval from a guardian, trustee, or any other party acting on her behalf.

• Example 2: Legal Action

  Mark, an adult, believes a contractor damaged his home during a renovation. He files a lawsuit against the contractor seeking compensation for the damages, representing himself in court.

  Mark is pursuing the lawsuit proprio jure. He is initiating the legal action and representing his own interests directly, rather than filing the suit as a legal guardian for a minor, as an executor of an estate, or as an attorney representing a client. He is acting in his own legal capacity.

• Example 3: Business Ownership and Contracts

  David is a sole proprietor who owns and operates a small bakery. He personally signs a lease agreement for a new storefront and enters into contracts to purchase ingredients directly from various suppliers.

  David is acting proprio jure because he is entering into these contracts and making business decisions in his own name and on his own behalf as the owner of the business. He is not acting as an employee, agent, or representative of a larger corporation or another individual; his rights and liabilities are personal to him.