de facto officer
Defined in 2 dictionaries — Case Law, Ballentine's (1916)
Definitions from Case Law
From 268 U.S. 394 - United States v. Royer · 1925Most cited · 124 citing opinions
A de facto officer may be defined as one whose title is not good in law, but who is in fact in the unobstructed possession of an office and discharging its duties in full view of the public, in such manner and under such circumstances as not to present the appearance of being an intruder or usurper.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
One whose acts, though not those of a lawful officer, the law, upon principles of policy, will hold valid. See 21 Nev. 47, 37 Am. St. Rep. 478, 9 L. R. A. 59, 24 Pac. 367.