Jogcímen

Jogcímen is a legal term used in Hungarian civil law to denote the legal basis or title under which a person holds or acquires a right or obligation. It translates roughly to "on the basis of a legal title." The term is used to explain why a particular legal effect—such as transfer of ownership, creation of a mortgage, or the establishment of a right—occurs.

In practice, jogcím refers to the concrete legal act or circumstance that justifies a right. Examples include a contract of sale, a gift deed, an inheritance, or a court decision. Such acts serve as the foundation for a transfer or establishment of rights in rem and are often required for formal recognition or registration of rights.

Evidence and significance: The existence and validity of a jogcím is assessed by courts and registries. When a right is registered (for example in the land register), the jogcím can be shown by documents such as a contract, will, or official deed. If no valid jogcím exists, the legal effect may be contested despite possession or other factual control.

Relationship to possession: Jogcím is distinct from mere possession (birtok). A person can possess property without a valid jogcím, and a person with a valid jogcím may not always have uninterrupted possession. The concept helps distinguish act-based rights from mere control.

Etymology and usage: The noun jogcím means legal title; jogcímen is the adverbial form used to describe actions taken on the basis of the legal title. The term is primarily used in Hungarian civil law contexts, including contract, property, and registration matters.