power of appointment

American  

noun

Law.

1. the authority granted by a donor to a donee to select the person or persons who are to enjoy property rights or income upon the death of the donor or of the donee or after the termination of existing rights or interests.

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power of appointment British  

noun

1. property law authority to appoint persons either from a particular class ( special power ) or selected by the donee of the power ( general power ) to take an estate or interest in property

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Etymology

Origin of power of appointment

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

power of appointment

Moreover, some of the constitutions assigned the power of appointment of law enforcement officials to the legislature with no role for the governor, and some assigned this appointment power to the judges.

From Slate ● Apr. 27, 2018

The power of appointment, although not exercised, defeats the spendthrift provision set forth in the Trust.

From Forbes ● Aug. 23, 2014

That’s pretty much how the presidential power of appointment is supposed to work.

From Slate ● Nov. 21, 2013

Failing such unanimity, the power of appointment is to be vested in the President of the Permanent Court of International Justice.

From Time Magazine Archive

This power of appointment and removal placed the courts under the control of the King and made it possible for him to use them as a means of oppressing the people.

From The Spirit of American Government A Study Of The Constitution: Its Origin, Influence And Relation To Democracy by Smith, J. Allen (James Allen)