Legal Definitions - in potestate viri

Definition: In potestate viri (in poh-tes-tay-tee veer-I) is a Latin term that refers to the legal position of a wife in which she is under the power of her husband. In the past, this phrase was used to describe the role of a wife in legal matters because the husband was considered the guardian of the wife.

During the 19th century, women were often considered to be in potestate viri, meaning that they had limited legal rights and were subject to the authority of their husbands. For example, a married woman could not own property or sign a contract without her husband's permission.

Another example of in potestate viri can be seen in the traditional marriage vows, in which the wife promises to obey her husband. This vow reflects the historical belief that the husband had complete control over his wife's actions and decisions.

These examples illustrate how the concept of in potestate viri was used to limit the legal and social rights of women in the past. Today, women have more legal autonomy and are no longer considered to be under the power of their husbands.