Legal Definitions - idiochira

Definition: Idiochira (id-ee-oh-kI-rə) is a historical term that comes from the Greek word meaning "one's own hand." It refers to a legal document, such as a deed, that is written by an individual themselves, rather than by a public officer.

Example: In the past, it was common for people to create idiochira documents when transferring property or making other legal agreements. For example, if a farmer wanted to sell their land to a neighbor, they might write up an idiochira deed that outlined the terms of the sale and both parties would sign it.

Explanation: The example illustrates how an idiochira document was used in a real-life legal situation. Instead of going to a public officer or lawyer to create a formal document, individuals could create their own legal agreements using an idiochira. This allowed for more flexibility and autonomy in legal matters.