Legal Definitions - dominium

Definition: Dominium is a legal term that refers to absolute ownership of property, including the right to possession and use. It is a right of control over property that the holder can keep or transfer at their pleasure. The term also means ownership of property, as distinguished from the right to possession or use.

Examples:

• A person who owns a house has dominium over it, which means they have the right to control it, use it, and sell it.
• In feudal times, the lord had dominium directum over the land, while the vassal had dominium utile, which gave them the right to use the land and its profits.
• In Roman law, dominium ex jure quiritium referred to ownership exercised by Roman citizens in the most complete manner, while dominium eminens referred to eminent domain.

The examples illustrate how dominium refers to ownership and control over property, whether it is a house, land, or other assets. It also shows how the term has been used in different legal systems throughout history.