ex officio

[Latin, From office.] By virtue of the characteristics inherent in the holding of a particular office without the need of specific authorization or appointment.

The phrase ex officio refers to powers that, while not expressly conferred upon an official, are necessarily implied in the office. A judge has ex officio powers of a conservator of the peace.

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ex officio (ex oh-fish-ee-oh) adj. Latin for "from the office," to describe someone who has a right because of an office held, such as being allowed to sit on a committee simply because one is president of the corporation.

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ex officio adverb authoritarian, by divine right, by law, by right, de jure, duly, empowered, in authority, in charge, in control, in office, official

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See also: clerical

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EX OFFICIO. By virtue of his office. 2. Many powers are granted and exercised by public officers which are not expressly delegated. A judge, for example, may, ex officio, be a conservator of the peace, and a justice of the peace.