sui juris
Meaning. Of full legal capacity; able to manage one's own affairs and be bound by law.
A person sui juris has full capacity to contract, sue and be sued in his or her own name. Under Section 11 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 a person is competent to contract if he or she has attained majority, is of sound mind and is not disqualified by law.
The opposite is a person under disability, such as a minor or a person of unsound mind, who acts through a guardian or next friend. Note that majority for this purpose is fixed by the Indian Majority Act, 1875 (eighteen years).
Example
Only a party who is sui juris can enter into a binding contract; a minor's agreement is void.
In Indian law
- Section 11, Indian Contract Act, 1872 (who are competent to contract)
- Indian Majority Act, 1875 (age of majority)
See also
minor · next friend · contract
Read more in the study notes
- Accomplice, approver and corroboration (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam)