Dedimus potestatem
Defined in 5 dictionaries — Case Law, Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910), Black's (1891), Burrill (1850)
Definitions from Case Law
From 17 U.S. 508 - Sergeant's v. Biddle · 1819Most cited · 9 citing opinions
Whenever a commission issues for taking depositions, according to common usage, whether the witness reside beyond the process of the court, or within it, the depositions are absolute, the above section of the act of congress relating to depositions de bene esse, being most obviously confined to those taken under the enacting part of that section.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
(We have given power.)
In English practice. A writ or commission issuing out of chancery, empowering the persons named therein to peri form certain acts, as to administer oaths to defendants in chancery and take their answers, to administer oaths of office to justices of the peace, etc. 3 BL Comm. 447. It was anciently allowed for many purposes not now in use, as to make an attorney, to take the acknowledgment of a fine, etc. In the United States, a commission to take testimony is sometimes termed a "dedimus potestatem." Buddicum v. Kirk, 3 Cranch, 293, 2 In Ed. 444; Sergeant's Lessee v. Biddle, 4 Wheat. 508, 4 In Ed. 627
A Dictionary of Law
Henry Campbell Black · 1891
(We have given power.)
In English practice. A writ ov commission issuing out of chancery, empowering the persons named therein to perform certain acts, as to administer oaths to defendants in chancery and take their answers, to udminister oaths of office to justices ot the peace, etc. 3 Bl. Comm. 447. It was anciently allowed for many purposes not now in use, as to make an attorney, to take the acknowledgment of a fine, etc. In the United States,a commission to take testimony is sometimes termed a “dedimus potestatem.” 3 Cranch, 293; 4 Wheat. 508. DEDIMUS POTESTATEM DE AT-
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary
Alexander M. Burrill · 1850
Lat. (We have given power.)
In English practice. A writ or commission issuing out of chancery, empowering the persons named therein to perform certain acts, as to administer oaths to defendants in chancery and take their answers, to administer oaths of office to justices of the peace, &c. 3 Bl. Com. 447. 1 Id. 352. Cowell defines it to be "a writ whereby a commission is given to a private man for the speeding of some act appertaining to a judge;" and says the civilians call it delegatio. It was anciently allowed for many purposes not now in use, as to make an attorney, to take the acknowledgment of a fine, &c. Reg. Orig. tabula. 2 Bl. Com. 351. In the United States, a commission to take testimony is sometimes termed a dedimus potestatem. 3 Cranch's R. 293. 4 Wheaton's R. 508.