SEALED INSTRUMENT Meaning and
Definition
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A sealed instrument refers to a legal document or contract that has been executed or signed with a seal. It is characterized by the presence of a formal seal affixed either by a wax impression or an embossed seal directly onto the document. The purpose of a seal on an instrument is to lend it additional authenticity and legal weight, indicating that the document has been formalized and carries the authority of the individual, organization, or entity that applied the seal.
The act of sealing an instrument has historical roots and was traditionally considered a significant aspect of contract execution. Sealed instruments were commonly used to demonstrate consent, signify agreement, and authenticate the signatures of parties involved. While the use of seals in legal instruments has diminished over time, it still holds legal significance in certain jurisdictions and specific legal contexts.
Sealed instruments are often associated with deeds, wills, legal agreements, and other formal documents of importance. They provide an added layer of credibility and can strengthen enforceability in legal disputes. Furthermore, the act of breaking a seal is often seen as a breach of contract, thereby emphasizing the gravitas associated with sealed instruments.
In modern legal practice, the use of seals has been largely replaced by the more commonplace method of signing documents with a handwritten signature or electronic signature. However, in some jurisdictions, the application of a seal may still confer unique legal consequences and formal recognition to the instrument.
Common Misspellings for SEALED INSTRUMENT
- aealed instrument
- zealed instrument
- xealed instrument
- dealed instrument
- eealed instrument
- wealed instrument
- swaled instrument
- ssaled instrument
- sdaled instrument
- sraled instrument
- s4aled instrument
- s3aled instrument
- sezled instrument
- sesled instrument
- sewled instrument
- seqled instrument
- seaked instrument
- seaped instrument
- seaoed instrument
Etymology of SEALED INSTRUMENT
The word "sealed" in the term "sealed instrument" comes from the Old English word "seal" which meant a stamp or an impression. A sealed instrument refers to a legal document that has been authenticated or made officially valid by attaching a seal to it.
The use of seals dates back to ancient times when they were used as a means of authentication and security. Seals were often made from wax, metal, or even clay and were typically impressed with a unique design or mark to indicate the authenticity and authority of the document.
In legal contexts, a sealed instrument refers to a document that has been executed or signed by the parties involved and has a seal affixed to it. This seal gives the document legal standing and provides evidence of its authenticity. Over time, the term "sealed instrument" has become associated with various types of legal documents, such as contracts, deeds, or agreements, that carry the weight of official authority.
