Legal Definitions - dedimus potestatum

Definition: Dedimus potestatem is a legal term that refers to a special authority granted to an individual by a court or a client. It means that the person has been given the power to perform a specific legal action.

In American law, the term is commonly used to refer to the authority given to someone to depose a witness. This means that the person has the power to ask questions and obtain testimony from a witness under oath.

For example, if a lawyer wants to gather evidence for a case, they may request a dedimus potestatem from the court to depose a witness. This allows them to ask the witness questions and obtain a sworn statement that can be used as evidence in court.

In English law, the term can have a broader meaning. It can refer to a client granting decision-making authority to their attorney. This means that the attorney has the power to make decisions on behalf of the client, such as settling a case or signing a contract.

For example, if a client is unable to attend a legal proceeding, they may grant a dedimus potestatem to their attorney to make decisions on their behalf. This allows the attorney to act as the client's representative and make decisions that are in their best interest.