official document - (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right

articles of incorporation - a legal document that creates a corporation; it is filed with a state by the founders of a corporation and is governed by the laws of the state

passport - a document issued by a country to a citizen allowing that person to travel abroad and re-enter the home country

ship's papers - official papers which a ship is legally required to have; related to ownership, cargo, etc.

manifest - a customs document listing the contents put on a ship or plane

debenture - a certificate or voucher acknowledging a debt

power of attorney - a legal instrument authorizing someone to act as the grantor's agent

letters of administration - legal document naming someone to administer an estate when no executor has been named

letters testamentary - a legal document from a probate court or court officer informing you of your appointment as executor of a will and empowering you to discharge those responsibilities

act, enactment - a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body

law - legal document setting forth rules governing a particular kind of activity; "there is a law against kidnapping"

bill, measure - a statute in draft before it becomes law; "they held a public hearing on the bill"

brief, legal brief - a document stating the facts and points of law of a client's case

testament, will - a legal document declaring a person's wishes regarding the disposal of their property when they die

living will - a document written by someone still legally capable requesting that he should be allowed to die if subsequently severely disabled or suffering terminal illness; "after he discovered he had AIDS he drew up a living will"

deed, deed of conveyance, title - a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it; "he signed the deed"; "he kept the title to his car in the glove compartment"

assignment - the instrument by which a claim or right or interest or property is transferred from one person to another

deed of trust, trust deed - a written instrument legally conveying property to a trustee often used to secure an obligation such as a mortgage or promissory note

conveyance - document effecting a property transfer

income tax return, return, tax return - document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability; "his gross income was enough that he had to file a tax return"

license, permit, licence - a legal document giving official permission to do something

judgement, legal opinion, opinion, judgment - the legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision; "opinions are usually written by a single judge"

acquittance, release - a legal document evidencing the discharge of a debt or obligation

judicial writ, writ - (law) a legal document issued by a court or judicial officer

affidavit - written declaration made under oath; a written statement sworn to be true before someone legally authorized to administer an oath

written agreement - a legal document summarizing the agreement between parties

bill of indictment, indictment - a formal document written for a prosecuting attorney charging a person with some offense

impeachment - a formal document charging a public official with misconduct in office

arraignment - a legal document calling someone to court to answer an indictment

law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order"

certificate, security - a formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive interest or dividends; "he held several valuable securities"