A sigillum is a seal pressed onto wax to indicate authenticity or official status.
A sigillum, also known as a seal, is pressed onto wax to indicate that something is official or authentic. In the past, kings would use sigilla to emphasize the importance of a document, ensuring that it was not a counterfeit. Similarly, lawyers utilise sigilla to seal significant legal documents, preventing any alterations without breaking the seal. These instances demonstrate the purpose of sigilla in safeguarding important documents from tampering. By affixing a seal, it signifies the document’s official and authentic nature.
A sigillum is a legal term that refers to a seal or stamp used to authenticate a document or mark it as official.
No, a sigillum is not always required for legal documents. It depends on the specific requirements of the jurisdiction and the type of document being executed.
Typically, only authorized individuals, such as notaries public or government officials, are allowed to create and use a sigillum.
In some jurisdictions, electronic signatures and seals may be used in place of traditional sigillums to validate electronic documents.
A sigillum serves as a form of authentication and can provide evidence that a document has been properly executed and approved by the appropriate authority.
Forgery of a sigillum is a serious offense and can result in criminal charges. It is important to verify the authenticity of a sigillum before relying on it to authenticate a document.
The validity of a sigillum depends on the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction in which it is used. Some sigillums may have expiration dates, while others may remain valid indefinitely.
In certain circumstances, such as if the individual who created the sigillum loses their authority or if it is discovered to be fraudulent, a sigillum may be revoked or invalidated.
If you have reason to believe that a sigillum on a document is not authentic, you should seek legal advice and consider challenging the validity of the document in court.
The recognition and acceptance of sigillums may vary from country to country. It is important to research and understand the legal requirements for using a sigillum in international transactions.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 16th April 2024.
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