Dedimus Potestatem de Attornato Faciendo Definition: Latin: An ancient common law exemption from the requirement to attend any court summons in person allowing, instead, representation by an attorney. Related Terms: Essoin Archibald Brown’s 1874 law dictionary: “At common law, the parties in an action were obliged to appear in court in person, unless allowed by a special warrant from the Crown (bearing the title DEDIMUS POTESTATEM DE ATTORNATO FACIENDO) to appoint an attorney.” REFERENCE: Brown, Archibald, A New Law Dictionary and Institute of the Whole Law for the Use of Students, the Legal Profession and the Public (London: Stevens & Sons, 1874), Page 113 Categories & Topics: Ancient Common Law Dictionary Dictionary of Latin Law Terms Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!