Legal Definitions - officio

Definition: Officio is a Latin term that means "by virtue of an office." It is often used to describe the authority or power that comes with holding a particular position or role.

Example: A school principal has the power to make decisions about the school because of their position as the head of the school. They have this power ex officio, meaning that it comes with their role as principal.

Another example of ex officio power is a member of a board of directors who also serves as the chair of a committee. They may have additional authority or influence within the board because of their role as committee chair.

These examples illustrate how ex officio power is tied to a specific role or position. It is not something that can be claimed by just anyone, but rather is a result of holding a particular office or position of authority.