What defines an official who holds office by law and possesses lawfully necessary qualifications?

An official who holds office by law and possesses lawfully necessary qualifications is defined as a de jure Notary. This term refers to an individual who has been legally appointed and authorized to perform notarial acts. A de jure Notary operates as a recognized public official according to the law, ensuring that their actions and the notarial documents they produce carry the full weight of legal authority.

In contrast, other options do not encapsulate this legal standing. A commissioned Notary may be someone who has received a commission or authorization, but without the proper legal framework, they might not fulfill all the formalities of a de jure Notary. A public Notary refers to the general role and responsibilities of a Notary, but does not emphasize their lawful qualifications as being established by law. An honorary Notary, while it suggests a title, usually lacks official powers to perform notarial acts, distinguishing it further from the de jure definition. Therefore, the term de jure Notary best captures the essence of a legally qualified official empowered by law.