Legal Definitions - carte blanche

Definition: Carte blanche (kahrt blawnsh) is a French term that means "blank card." It has two meanings:

1. A signed, blank instrument that is filled out at an agent's discretion.
2. Full discretionary power; unlimited authority.

Examples:

• When I went to the bank, I signed a carte blanche, which allowed the agent to fill out the amount of money I wanted to withdraw.
• The CEO gave his new manager carte blanche to make any changes necessary to improve the company's performance.

The first example illustrates the first meaning of carte blanche. By signing a blank instrument, the agent has the authority to fill it out as they see fit. In this case, the agent filled out the amount of money the person wanted to withdraw from the bank.

The second example illustrates the second meaning of carte blanche. The CEO gave the new manager full discretionary power, which means the manager has unlimited authority to make any changes necessary to improve the company's performance. The manager can make decisions without needing approval from anyone else.