Definition

Noun: 1. The formal completion of a legal document: The act of signing a legal instrument (such as a contract, deed, or will) to make it valid and legally enforceable. This process may also involve additional formalities like witnessing, notarization, sealing, or delivering the document to the relevant party.

Usage

This term is used exclusively in formal and legal contexts to describe the final, binding step in creating a legal agreement or transferring rights. - The execution of instrument must be done in the presence of two witnesses for it to be valid under state law. - Before the property transfer could be recorded, the lawyer oversaw the proper execution of instrument by all parties.

Examples

• The court examined whether the execution of instrument for the will complied with all statutory requirements.
• A notary public is often required to be present during the execution of instrument to verify the identities of the signatories.
• The delay in the deal was due to a minor error in the execution of instrument, which had to be corrected.

Advanced Usage

• "Due execution of an instrument": A phrase emphasizing that the signing and formalities were carried out correctly and in full compliance with the law.
  • The defendant's claim was dismissed because the plaintiff proved the due execution of the instrument.

Variants and Related Words

• Execute (verb): To sign or complete a legal document formally.
  • The parties will execute the agreement tomorrow.
• Instrument (noun): A formal legal document, such as a contract, deed, bond, or lease.
• Execution (noun): In a general legal sense, the process of making a document valid. (Note: This word has other, more common meanings unrelated to law, such as carrying out a plan or putting someone to death.)

Synonyms

• Signing
• Formalization (of a document)
• Completion (of a legal document)

Notes on Meaning

This is a specialized compound noun used in legal terminology. It refers specifically to the act of finalizing the document, not to the content of the document itself or its subsequent performance. Do not confuse it with the "execution" (i.e., carrying out) of the terms within a contract.

Noun

1. (law) the completion of a legal instrument (such as a contract or deed) by signing it (and perhaps sealing and delivering it) so that it becomes legally binding and enforceable