sui juris

Definition
  1. Adjective (Legal term):
    • Of full legal capacity: "sui juris" describes a person who is legally competent to manage their own affairs, not subject to the authority or guardianship of another. This status typically applies to adults who are not under a legal disability (such as mental incapacity or minority).
Usage Examples
  • (He gained full legal capacity to act on his own behalf.)
  • (She was legally competent to make her own decisions.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to be sui juris": to possess full legal rights and responsibilities.

    • In many legal systems, a person is considered sui juris at age 18. (They have the legal capacity to act without a guardian.)

  • "sui juris status": the condition of being legally independent.

    • The attorney confirmed the client's sui juris status before proceeding with the will. (The client was legally capable of making the document.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Sui juris (noun phrase): the state of being legally independent.

    • The concept of sui juris is fundamental to contract law. (The legal condition of self-governance.)

  • Alieni juris (adj, opposite): under the legal authority of another (e.g., a minor or ward).

    • Children are alieni juris until they reach the age of majority. (They are subject to the control of a parent or guardian.)
Synonyms

  • Emancipated: freed from legal control or authority (especially of a minor).

    • The emancipated minor was treated as sui juris for business purposes. (Legally independent.)

  • Competent: having the necessary ability or legal capacity.

    • She was deemed mentally competent and thus sui juris. (Legally capable.)
Related Idioms

  • Of full age: having reached the legal age of majority.

    • He is of full age and therefore sui juris. (He is legally independent due to his age.)

  • Sui generis (a related Latin phrase): of its own kind; unique.

    • The case was sui generis, but the defendant was still sui juris. (The situation was unique, but the defendant had legal capacity.)

Note: This term is almost exclusively used in legal contexts, particularly in common law jurisdictions. It does not have phrasal verbs or common idioms outside of legal discourse.