Legal Definitions - voluntas

Voluntas is a historical legal term derived from Latin, referring to the will, intention, or purpose behind an action or a decision. It describes the conscious desire or choice that prompts an individual to act in a certain way, or to express their wishes, particularly in a manner that has legal or significant implications.

• Imagine a renowned artist who, after a long career, decides to establish a foundation dedicated to supporting young, emerging artists. The artist dedicates a substantial portion of their personal wealth and collection to this foundation. The voluntas in this scenario is the artist's deep-seated intention and purpose to foster future talent, which drives their decision to create and fund the foundation.

• Consider a homeowner who, while in good health, writes a detailed letter to their adult children outlining their wishes for the distribution of sentimental family heirlooms after their passing. Although this letter might not be a legally binding will, it clearly expresses the homeowner's voluntas – their personal desire and intention regarding how these specific items should be handled and passed down within the family.

• Think of a business owner who, after extensive negotiations, consciously chooses to sign a partnership agreement with another company. They have reviewed all terms, understood the implications, and made a deliberate decision to proceed. The voluntas here is the owner's clear and uncoerced intention to enter into the partnership, signifying their agreement and commitment to its terms.